A senior executive in the Trump Organization suggested while testifying under oath on Thursday that former President Trump was aware of allegedly illegal tax practices at his real estate company.
Company Controller Jeffrey McConney was asked by a prosecutor in Manhattan whether he and former company CFO Allen Weisselberg had discussed reducing Weisselberg’s salary, which would be taxed, to offset rent payments that the Trump Organization made on Weisselberg’s Manhattan apartment.
At first McConney said he didn’t remember, but after being shown his grand jury testimony on the topic he responded, “That’s what Allen told me, yes.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has charged the Trump Organization with unlawfully awarding executive perks over a span of 15 years without telling tax authorities, and with falsely reporting bonuses as non-employee compensation. The company could face $1.6 million in fines if convicted.
Former President Trump has not been charged. He has denied any wrongdoing and said he is being targeted for political reasons.
McConney was given immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony before the grand jury that indicted the Trump Organization.
