New York Attorney General Letitia James delivers a resounding “No f*cking way” to Trump’s plea for dismissal of $486 million fraud verdict.
At a Glance
- NY AG’s office rejects Trump’s appeal to dismiss $486 million fraud verdict
- Deputy Solicitor General: Presidents have no immunity from civil lawsuits for unofficial conduct
- Trump’s legal team argues for unity and dismissal, citing interference with presidential duties
- Total amount owed by Trump and associates exceeds $497 million with interest
- AG James vows to confront a potential second Trump administration
The Unrelenting Legal Onslaught
In a stunning display of legal tenacity, New York Attorney General Letitia James has delivered a gut-punch to former President Donald Trump’s hopes of escaping the $486 million fraud verdict hanging over his head. Despite Trump’s reelection and the convenient disappearance of federal criminal cases, James’s office stands firm, refusing to bow to political pressure or calls for “unity.” This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a full-blown war against what James perceives as decades of financial chicanery.
The sheer audacity of Trump’s legal team to suggest that this case should be dismissed in the name of national unity is laughable. It’s as if they believe that winning an election should grant immunity from past misdeeds. Sorry, folks, that’s not how the law works in America – at least not yet.
Another week of our trial against Donald Trump, another week of his defense calling witnesses who cannot refute any part of our case.
The truth could not be any clearer: Donald Trump committed repeated and persistent fraud. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Q8xBNnUOEI— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) December 1, 2023
No Presidential Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card
Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale didn’t mince words when she schooled Trump’s lawyers on basic civics: “Presidents do not have immunity from civil lawsuits arising from unofficial conduct, and such lawsuits may proceed while the President is in office.” It’s almost as if she had to remind them that being President doesn’t come with a magical shield against accountability for past actions. Who would’ve thought?
“This Office will not stipulate to vacate the final judgment already entered by 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.” – Judith Vale
Trump’s lawyer, John Sauer, tried to play the unity card, arguing that these legal battles are interfering with Trump’s presidential duties. Because apparently, defending oneself against fraud allegations is now considered a presidential duty. It’s almost poetic how they’re trying to use the very office Trump seeks as a shield against the consequences of his actions.
The Price of “Fraud”
Let’s talk numbers, shall we? The judgment against Trump and his company has ballooned to over $497 million with interest. That’s nearly half a billion dollars for what the court deemed as exaggerating company assets to secure favorable loan terms. It’s a sum that would make even the most seasoned Wall Street sharks blush, but for the Trump Organization, it’s just another day at the office, right?
“AG James should heed President Trump’s call for national unity and drop this baseless, discredited witch hunt.” – Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, had the gall to call this a “baseless, discredited witch hunt.” Because clearly, in their world, a court judgment backed by evidence is equivalent to medieval superstition. It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for them.
The Relentless Pursuit of Justice… or Vendetta?
Attorney General Letitia James isn’t backing down. She’s made it clear that she’s ready to confront a second Trump administration if necessary. It’s almost admirable how she’s willing to “continue to stand tall in the face of injustice, revenge, retribution.” One has to wonder, though, at what point does the pursuit of justice become a personal crusade?
As this legal circus continues, one thing is clear: the battle between Trump and the New York AG’s office is far from over. It’s a high-stakes game of legal chicken, with Trump’s financial future and James’s political legacy on the line. Who will blink first? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for certain – in this legal showdown, there’s no such thing as a clean getaway, even for a former (and potentially future) President.
