Trump says he invoked Fifth Amendment during New York probe

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Trump says he invoked Fifth Amendment during New York probe

Former US President Donald Trump said he invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer questions during an appearance before the New York Attorney-General in a civil investigation into his family's business practices.

"I declined to answer the questions about the rights and privileges afforded to every citizen under the United States Constitution," Trump said in a statement.

New York State Attorney-General Letitia James is looking into whether the Trump OrganizationTrump Organization inflated real estate values.

Donald Trump JrTrump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, two of his adult children, fought to avoid testifying but lost.

Ms James said that her investigation found evidence that the Trump OrganizationTrump Organization, which manages hotels, golf courses and other real estate, overstated asset values to obtain favourable loans and understated the values to get tax breaks.

Trump, a Republican, has denied wrongdoing and called the New York investigation politically motivated.

As he left the Trump Tower on Wednesday morning, he raised his fist, wearing a blue suit with a flag pin on his lapel.

More to come.