New York AG Denies Trump’s Motion, Major Fraud Case Proceeds

New York Attorney General Letitia James stands firm, rejecting former President Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss a $486 million fraud case amid his ongoing legal battles.

At a Glance

NY AG Letitia James refuses to drop $486 million civil fraud judgment against Trump
Trump’s legal team argues for dismissal, citing national unity and presidential duties
Deputy Solicitor General asserts presidents lack immunity from civil lawsuits for unofficial conduct
Case involves allegations of asset inflation for financial benefits
Total amount owed by Trump and associates exceeds $497 million with interest

New York AG Stands Ground Against Trump’s Dismissal Request

In a bold stance against former President Donald Trump’s legal maneuvers, New York Attorney General Letitia James has firmly rejected attempts to dismiss a significant civil fraud case. The case, which resulted in a $486 million judgment against Trump and his business empire, remains a focal point of James’ pursuit of accountability.

Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale, representing the Attorney General’s office, delivered a clear message to Trump’s legal team: “This Office will not stipulate to vacate the final judgment already entered by the Supreme Court, New York County, in this action or otherwise seek to dismiss the action. Presidents do not have immunity from civil lawsuits arising from unofficial conduct, and such lawsuits may proceed while the President is in office.”

Trump’s Legal Team Pushes for Dismissal

Trump’s attorney, John Sauer, argued for the case’s dismissal, citing a need for national unity and claiming the legal proceedings interfere with Trump’s presidential duties. Sauer stated, “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. This call for unity extends to the legal onslaught against him and his family that permeated the most recent election cycle.” “AG James should heed President Trump’s call for national unity and drop this baseless, discredited witch hunt.” Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung added.

However, Vale swiftly dismissed these arguments, asserting that civil litigation does not impede presidential duties. She emphasized, “The trial is over, final judgment has been rendered, and defendants’ appeal to the First Department has been fully submitted and argued. Mr. Trump’s official duties will not be impeded while awaiting the First Department’s decision.”

Case Details and Financial Implications

The civil fraud case, initiated in 2022, accuses Trump and his associates of inflating assets to gain financial benefits. Judge Arthur Engoron issued a $350 million judgment against Trump and his company, which has since increased to over $497 million with accruing interest. This judgment was based on findings that Trump and his executives engaged in fraudulent practices by exaggerating company assets to secure favorable loan terms.

While Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and claimed the case is politically motivated, Vale asserted that the evidence strongly supports the court’s fraud findings. The total amount owed by Trump, the Trump Organization, and top executives, including Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, now exceeds $497 million with interest.

Ongoing Legal Challenges and Future Implications

As the state’s midlevel appeals court considers Trump’s challenge to the judgment, Attorney General Letitia James has expressed her readiness to confront Trump despite entering his second administration. James remains resolute in her commitment to continue her legal efforts, stating her intention to “continue to stand tall in the face of injustice, revenge, retribution.”