New York AG Letitia James Refuses Trump’s Request to Drop Civil Fraud Case
By Jake Beardslee ·
December 11, 2024
New York Attorney General Letitia James has firmly stated she will not abandon the civil fraud lawsuit against former President-elect Donald Trump. This decision comes as Trump appeals a $486 million judgment from a previous ruling, with an appellate court yet to render its decision. Thomas Good / Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
In November, Trump and his legal team requested James dismiss the case, framing the lawsuit as an impediment to national unity and his presidential responsibilities. Justin Lane/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK
Trump’s attorney, John Sauer, described the case as a hindrance to the president-elect’s ability to "carry out his presidential duties," urging its dismissal “for the health of our Republic.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK
James’ office, however, rejected these requests, emphasizing that presidents are not immune to civil litigation unrelated to their official duties. Sora Shimazaki / Pexels
Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale clarified that dismissing the case or vacating the judgment held "no merit" and highlighted that the litigation “does not impact Trump’s ability to serve as president.” Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel part of the USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The fraud case, filed in 2022, accuses Trump, his business, his two eldest sons, and other executives of inflating asset values to enhance Trump’s net worth and secure financial benefits. Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In February, Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron ruled against Trump, imposing a $454 million fine, with the amount rising daily due to accruing interest. KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA / Pexels
Although Trump has appealed the decision, James reiterated her commitment to upholding the ruling, stating that the litigation process remains unaffected by Trump’s political status or inauguration. JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The appeals court has not yet announced its final decision, leaving the judgment intact for the time being. PD-US / Wikimedia
