The New York Attorney General’s office, led by Letitia James, firmly rejected Donald Trump’s requests to vacate the nearly half-billion-dollar civil fraud judgment against him. This judgment stems from a case where Trump was found to have inflated the value of his assets to secure loans and financial benefits improperly.
Key Developments:
- Judgment Details: The judgment, initially $464 million, has grown to $497 million due to accrued interest. Trump’s claims to dismiss it were dismissed as baseless by New York Deputy Solicitor General Judith N. Vale in a letter to Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer.
- Legal Precedent Cited: Vale argued that civil litigation burdens do not interfere with presidential duties, referencing legal precedent to counter Trump’s claim of immunity.
- Evidence of Fraud: Vale emphasized that overwhelming evidence supported the finding of repeated fraud by Trump and his businesses, validating the court’s decision for disgorgement and other remedies.
- Financial Implications: Trump’s legal team has previously argued that the judgment is financially burdensome, contrary to Trump’s public image as a billionaire.
Broader Context:
- The rejection contrasts with actions by federal special counsel Jack Smith, who recently dismissed election interference charges against Trump after the U.S. Supreme Court granted presidential immunity for certain acts.
- Trump has a history of targeting Attorney General James, including violating a gag order by sharing her personal information and making unfounded accusations of racism against her and other Black prosecutors.
This case highlights ongoing legal challenges for Trump as he prepares to assume the presidency, underscoring the tension between his legal battles and political ambitions.
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