Under oath on Wednesday morning,  at NY State Attorney General Letitia James’ offices, that’s what Donald Trump said. Period. Repeat. Full stop. Repeat, etc.

He was asked questions in the civil investigation into his business dealings. 

Trump did have several words to say following his appearance there, and said he “declined to answer the questions under the rights and privileges afforded to every citizen under the United States Constitution.”

In the past, former President Trump has made it clear that he believed that pleading the fifth was an admission of guilt. 

But he’s changed his tune. Now he says, “I once asked, ‘If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?’ Now I know the answer to that question,” the statement said. “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.”

Attorney General James’ civil investigation alleges that the Trump Organization misrepresented the value of assets, such as golf courses and real estate, misleading banks and tax authorities. In May, James’ office said the investigation was coming to an end and substantial evidence had been found that could result in legal action against Trump and his organization.  

Trump’s decision not to answer questions follows what must have been an anxiety-provoking week, as FBI agents searched his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and broke open his safe to retrieve classified documents that were allegedly stolen from the White House when his term ended. 

Donald, Jr. and Ivanka recently testified, after their appearances had been postponed due to the death of their mother, Ivana Trump.