AG Letitia James Prevents Trump’s Multi-Million Dollar Appeal in Ongoing Case

New York Attorney General Letitia James has firmly rejected Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn a $486 million fraud judgment, despite his reelection and claims of national unity.

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 Judith Vale asserts presidents have no immunity from civil lawsuits
Total amount owed by Trump and associates now exceeds $497 million with interest
Case stems from allegations of asset inflation for financial benefits

New York AG Stands Firm Against Trump’s Appeal

In a decisive move, New York Attorney General Letitia James has blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn a $486 million fraud judgment. This development comes despite Trump’s reelection and the subsequent dismissal of federal criminal cases against him. The civil fraud case, which has now ballooned to over $497 million with accruing interest, remains a significant legal challenge for Trump and his business empire.

Deputy State Solicitor General Judith Vale, representing the Attorney General’s office, has firmly stated that the judgment will not be vacated. Vale emphasized that presidents do not enjoy immunity from civil lawsuits arising from unofficial conduct, and such legal proceedings can continue even while a president is in office.

Trump’s Legal Team Pushes for Dismissal

Trump’s legal representatives, led by attorney John Sauer, have argued for the dismissal of the case, citing a need for national unity and claiming that the ongoing legal battles interfere with Trump’s presidential duties. Sauer, who is also Trump’s nominee for U.S. Solicitor General, has personally appealed for an end to what he terms “partisan strife and lawfare.” “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.”

However, Vale swiftly dismissed these arguments, stating they have “no merit” and asserting that civil litigation does not impede a president’s official duties in a way that violates the U.S. Constitution.

The Ongoing Legal Battle

The civil fraud case, initiated in 2022, accuses Trump and his associates of inflating asset values to secure favorable loan terms and insurance benefits. Judge Arthur Engoron initially issued a $350 million judgment against Trump and his company, which has since grown to over $497 million with interest.

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the case as a politically motivated witch hunt. His spokesperson, Steven Cheung, echoed this sentiment, urging AG James to “heed President Trump’s call for national unity and drop this baseless, discredited witch hunt.” Despite these pleas, James and her office remain resolute in their pursuit of the case.

As the legal drama unfolds, the state’s midlevel appeals court is currently considering Trump’s challenge to the judgment. The recently elected president’s team managed to reduce the bond amount to $175 million to delay the judgment’s execution, but the final decision on the appeal is still pending.

Attorney General Letitia James has expressed her readiness to confront the second Trump administration, vowing to “continue to stand tall in the face of injustice, revenge, retribution.”