In a recent development in the civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, a judge has announced a delay in Ivanka Trump's testimony until November 8th. The decision was made to allow sufficient time for questioning, as her testimony is expected to take a full day or longer.

Originally scheduled to appear on Friday, Ivanka Trump's testimony will now take place at the end of a crucial stretch in the case that could potentially disrupt her family's real estate empire. This timing coincides with her father's campaign rally in Miami, which he organized to precede a televised debate from which he will be absent.

The trial, brought forward by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Donald Trump, his company, and top executives, including Ivanka's brothers, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., conspired to exaggerate their wealth on financial statements used to secure loans and make deals.

Ivanka Trump, a former executive at the Trump Organization, was initially listed as a defendant in the lawsuit but was dismissed from the case in June due to the expiration of claims against her. However, she is now being called as a witness by James' lawyers.

Donald Trump and the other defendants have staunchly denied any wrongdoing, with the former president calling the trial a politically motivated sham. If found guilty, he could potentially be stripped of some corporate holdings and prominent properties such as Trump Tower.

After leaving her position as an executive vice president at the Trump Organization in January 2017, Ivanka Trump joined her father's presidential administration as an unpaid adviser. Following Donald Trump's departure from the White House in 2021, she relocated to Florida.

Ivanka Trump initially fought a subpoena to testify in the civil fraud trial, claiming that the state had failed to properly serve her and arguing that she shouldn't be compelled to testify as she is not a party to the case and no longer resides in New York. It remains to be seen if she will appeal the judge's ruling requiring her testimony.

The judge's decision to order Ivanka Trump's appearance is grounded in the belief that she continued to have ties to certain businesses in New York even after leaving her role at the Trump Organization. Court filings revealed her involvement in negotiating and securing financing for various properties during her tenure, including a lease and loan for a Washington hotel, and loans for a golf resort in Doral, Florida, and a hotel and condo skyscraper in Chicago.

According to documents presented by the attorney general's office, Ivanka Trump retained a financial interest in Trump Organization operations even after departing for the White House. These interests included a stake in the now-sold Washington hotel. Additionally, state lawyers claimed that the Trump Organization and its staff provided various services for Ivanka, such as buying insurance, managing her household staff and credit card bills, and renting her apartment, among other things.

As the trial progresses, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are scheduled to testify on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, while Donald Trump himself is expected to take the witness stand on November 6th. Following Ivanka Trump's testimony, the defense will begin calling their own witnesses, with a list of 127 names submitted by Trump's lawyers.

The delays in Ivanka Trump's testimony and the upcoming testimonies from her family members indicate the pivotal phase the trial has entered. As legal proceedings intensify, the outcome of this high-profile case could have significant consequences for the Trump family and their business ventures.