In a court appeal late Thursday, Mary Trump and her lawyer said blocking the book would violate the constitution. But they also argue that
The New York Times’ an investigation into the Trump family tax makes it clear that the settlement agreement – and the non-disclosure agreement that accompanied it – Mary Trump, signed about two decades ago is fraudulent and must be considered contentious.
“A detailed analysis and investigation of the New York Times revealed for the first time that the judgment I relied on to enter into the Settlement Agreement, and which was used to determine my compensation based on the Agreement, was fraudulent,” Mary Trump said in an oath. “I rely on the wrong judgment my uncle and aunt gave me, and would never enter into the Agreement if I knew the true value of the assets involved.”
Robert Trump – Donald Trump’s younger brother – has led efforts to block their niece’s book, submit a temporary restraining order and claim such a book would violate the terms of a secret settlement agreement reached by the family in bitter litigation after the death of Fred Trump’s family patriarch.
In a blow to Robert Trump’s efforts, the court ruled earlier this week to revoke a temporary restraining order against book publishers, Simon & Schuster. But a temporary restraining order still applies to Mary Trump awaiting the July 10 trial. This book will be released on July 28.
In an interview with CNN, Chris Cuomo, late Thursday night, Mary Trump’s lawyer Ted Boutrous said there was no reason the court should continue to enforce a confidentiality agreement.
“Settlement agreements that cover confidential agreements are fraudulent products, therefore null and void, cannot be enforced,” Boutrous said. “That is one of the many reasons why this paper is not worth printing at this time.”
The most recent court filing – which recognizes Mary Trump as a source for a Times tax investigation – reveals only teasers about what kind of revelation could be included in her upcoming story.
Lawyer Mary Trump said the book was “his own story about life as a member of the Trump family – a story that includes information about financial and family misconduct by the President of the United States and his brothers,” according to archives Thursday. “This book addresses issues of great importance to our country, with critical insights about the President of the United States, the years of its formation, and his family’s financial transactions. Ms. Trump offers a personal perspective on President Trump – a valuable eyewitness resource for historians and citizens. “
In her written statement, Mary Trump claimed that she never imagined a settlement agreement would someday prevent her from telling her life story.
“I have never believed that a Settlement Agreement that resolves discrete financial disputes might limit me from telling my life story or publishing a book that discusses anything contained in the Book, including the behavior and character of my uncle, the sitting President of the United States, as long as “the re-election campaign, my aunt Maryanne, a former federal judge, or my uncle Robert, a prominent public figure,” said Mary Trump. “Besides, my uncle, the President, has talked about our family and disputes will occur a lot.”
Charles Harder, Robert Trump’s lawyer, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday’s submission.
Lawyer Mary Trump claims that if this effort is to block potential damage to the family’s reputation, it is too late.
Robert Trump “is concerned that Trump will reveal details about his relationship with The New York Times, his difficult relationship with his family, and Trump’s family financial transactions. But all the facts have been made public,” lawyer Mary Trump said in the filing, citing the Times tax investigation and coverage other family news. “Contemporary news reports surrounding Ms. Trump’s lawsuit twenty years ago revealed a vengeful relationship between the Trump family and Ms. Trump.”