WASHINGTON (AP) – Donald Trump suggests in a newly released videotaped deposition that his presidential campaign could boost business at his hotels and increase the value of his personal brand.
A court on Friday released video of Trump’s deposition in June following requests filed by news organizations. Though a transcript of Trump’s testimony was previously filed publicly, his lawyers asked a Washington Superior Court judge to seal the video.
Trump’s company sued Geoffrey Zakarian last year after the restaurateur withdrew from a lease to operate a high-end eatery in the newly opened Trump International Hotel in Washington hotel after the candidate characterized Mexicans as being criminals, drug dealers and rapists.
Trump testified he didn’t think his widely criticized comments were “too bad” because he went on to win the Republican presidential nomination.