New York Attorney General Letitia James refuses to back down, rejecting Trump’s plea to drop $486 million fraud judgment.
At a Glance
- NY Attorney General’s office refuses to vacate $486 million fraud judgment against Trump
- Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale argues presidential immunity doesn’t extend to civil cases
- Trump’s legal team claims the case interferes with presidential duties and calls for unity
- The judgment, now over $497 million with interest, stems from allegations of asset inflation for financial benefits
- AG James expresses readiness to confront a potential second Trump administration
New York AG Stands Firm Against Trump’s Legal Maneuvers
The New York Attorney General’s office has firmly rejected a request to vacate the $486 million civil fraud judgment. This decision, led by Attorney General Letitia James and articulated by Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale, marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump’s business practices.
The case, which has seen the judgment balloon to over $497 million with accruing interest, centers on allegations that Trump and his executives engaged in fraudulent practices by exaggerating company assets to secure favorable loan terms. Despite Trump’s reelection and the dismissal of federal criminal cases against him, the New York AG’s office remains steadfast in pursuing this civil matter.
Another week of our trial against Donald Trump, another week of his defense calling witnesses who cannot refute any part of our case.
The truth could not be any clearer: Donald Trump committed repeated and persistent fraud. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Q8xBNnUOEI— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) December 1, 2023
Presidential Immunity Claim Rejected
Central to the AG’s argument is the rejection of Trump’s claim of presidential immunity in civil cases. Vale asserted, “Presidents do not have immunity from civil lawsuits arising from unofficial conduct, and such lawsuits may proceed while the President is in office.” This statement directly challenges the notion that Trump’s current presidential candidacy should shield him from legal accountability for past business practices.
Trump’s legal team, led by attorney John Sauer, has attempted to frame the case as an impediment to national unity and presidential duties. Sauer argued, “President Trump has called for our Nation’s partisan strife to end, and for the contending factions to join forces for the greater good of the country.” However, Vale dismissed these arguments, stating they have “no merit” and asserting that civil litigation does not impede presidential duties.
Financial Implications and Ongoing Legal Challenges
The financial stakes in this case are substantial. Judge Arthur Engoron initially issued a $350 million judgment against Trump and his company, which has since grown to over $497 million with interest. This amount is owed collectively by Trump, the Trump Organization, and top executives, including Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
“AG James should heed President Trump’s call for national unity and drop this baseless, discredited witch hunt,” said Trump spokesman Steven Cheung
Trump’s team has managed to reduce the bond amount to $175 million to delay the judgment, but the appeals court has yet to issue a final decision on the case. Meanwhile, Trump continues to face other legal challenges, including attempts to dismiss criminal cases in Georgia and New York related to election interference and hush money payments.
AG James’s Unwavering Stance
Attorney General Letitia James has made it clear that she will not be deterred by Trump’s legal maneuvering or by potential political implications. She expressed readiness to confront a second Trump administration, stating her intention to “continue to stand tall in the face of injustice, revenge, retribution.”
