Donald Trump said he declined to answer while appearing under oath during a New York state civil probe into alleged fraud at the former president's family organisation.
“I declined to answer the questions under the rights and privileges afforded to every citizen under the United States Constitution,” Mr Trump said in a statement.
The Constitution's Fifth Amendment offers protection against self-incrimination.
The deposition is not public.
Mr Trump wrote: “I once asked, 'If you're innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?' Now I know the answer to that question. When your family, your company, and all the people in your orbit have become the targets of an unfounded, politically motivated Witch Hunt supported by lawyers, prosecutors, and the Fake News Media, you have no choice.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James said her investigation had found evidence that the Trump Organisation — which manages hotels and other real estate — misstated asset valuations to receive tax breaks and other benefits.
Two of Mr Trump's adult children — Ivanka and Don Jr — testified in recent days, the Associated Press reported.
Mr Trump has denied any wrongdoing and claims the investigation is politically motivated.
“If there was any question in my mind, the raid of my home, Mar-a-Lago, on Monday by the FBI, just two days before this deposition, wiped out any uncertainty,” Mr Trump wrote.
US media outlets reported that FBI agents conducted a court-authorised search related to missing or the mishandling of documents that had been sent to Mar-a-Lago after Mr Trump left office in 2021.
“My great company, and myself, are being attacked from all sides. Banana Republic!” Mr Trump wrote before the deposition.
Mr Trump condemned the FBI search as a “weaponisation of the judicial system”.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Tuesday that President Joe Biden did not have advanced notice of the raid and respected the Justice Department's independence.
The warrant to search the former president's Florida estate relates to the National Archives and Records Administration, which is charged with protecting presidential records that belong to the republic, Reuters reported.
The former president, who has also been the focus of a Congressional panel investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, has continued to spread falsehoods about the 2020 presidential election as he continues to hint at a potential 2024 run.
Trump supporters outside Mar-a-Lago — in pictures
Agencies contributed to this report
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday, February 8 v Kenya; Friday, February 9 v Canada; Sunday, February 11 v Nepal; Monday, February 12 v Oman; Wednesday, February 14 v Namibia; Thursday, February 15 final
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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UAE Premiership
Results
Dubai Exiles 24-28 Jebel Ali Dragons
Abu Dhabi Harlequins 43-27 Dubai Hurricanes
Fixture
Friday, March 29, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Jebel Ali Dragons, The Sevens, Dubai
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Read more about the coronavirus
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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1.
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United States
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2.
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China
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3.
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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7.
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Singapore
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8.
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Australia
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9.
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Saudi Arabia
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10.
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South Korea
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