Trump attorneys attempt to quell subpoenas

According to court documents, former US President Donald Trump's attorneys are trying to quash summons issued to him and his children requiring testimony into a potential fraud civil investigation.

The investigation is being undertaken by York Attorney General Letitia James. According to a court document, Jame's "extraordinary" public statements -- in which she condemns Trump's political views and promises to "take on" his family -- provide evidence that the OAG targeted Trump and his associates "based solely on political animus," a court document claimed.

His attorneys claim that selective prosecution violates the Equal Protection Clauses of the Federal and New York State Constitutions and requires the subpoenas be revoked and that the probe was launched to stifle or penalize Trump for exercising his right to free speech and for political affiliation. 

The inquiry was originally launched by James in 2019, following Micheal Cohen's testimony before Congress, in which he accused Trump of inflating his wealth for better loan and insurance terms while understating the value of his properties to cut real estate taxes.

James issued subpoenas to Trump and his children in December, urging that they testify by January 7. In January, James filed a request to compel the former president and his children to testify under oath.