New York Attorney General Letitia James has rebuffed President-elect Donald Trump’s attempt to evade her office’s $486 million civil fraud judgment against him. The Attorney General’s office firmly stated it will not agree to vacate the final judgment or dismiss the case, rebutting a request made by Trump’s attorney John Sauer last month.
In response to Sauer’s plea for voluntary dismissal, citing potential interference with Trump’s presidential duties and a call for unity, James’ office stood its ground. Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized James’ decision, calling it “sad and weak” and urging her to drop the case as a show of unity.
Deputy State Solicitor General Judith Vale, in a letter made public, declined the request, highlighting that both sides have presented their arguments in Trump’s appeal to the Appellate Division, First Department. Vale dismissed the notion that Trump’s official duties would be impeded by awaiting the court’s decision, emphasizing that the trial is concluded, and the judgment is final.
Furthermore, Vale refuted Sauer’s suggestion that the civil case should mirror the actions taken in Trump’s criminal cases, which have seen developments post-election. She clarified that the civil enforcement action is distinct from the criminal cases pursued by federal and state prosecutors.
The civil judgment against Trump, his company, and top executives, initially at $350 million, has now soared past $497 million with interest included. The court found Trump and his associates culpable of fraudulently inflating assets to secure loans under false pretenses.
Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, attributing the case to political motives given James’ party affiliation. Sauer contested the legal basis of the judgment, but Vale maintained that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the court’s finding of repeated fraud and misconduct by Trump and his co-defendants.
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