New York Attorney General Letitia James is moving forward with a $454 million civil fraud judgment against President-elect Donald Trump, his sons, and other Trump Organization defendants, rejecting requests to halt the litigation as Trump prepares to assume office according to Breitbart.
Back in February, Judge Arthur Engoron imposed a judgment against Trump, including a daily interest of $87,502. Despite Trump’s pending appeal, James has vowed to defend the ruling throughout the legal process, emphasizing that accountability must prevail regardless of an individual’s status or position.
Trump’s legal team has pressed for the case to be dropped, arguing that the ongoing lawsuit exacerbates political divisions in the wake of his November election victory.
Attorney D. John Sauer, representing Trump, highlighted the president-elect’s recent calls for national unity, suggesting that dismissing the lawsuit could serve as a step toward reducing partisan tensions.
Sauer also framed the case as a continuation of the “legal onslaught” Trump and his family faced during the election cycle, further asserting that setting it aside would demonstrate goodwill toward collaboration across political lines.
However, James’s office dismissed this reasoning, firmly stating that the litigation does not interfere with Trump’s official duties as president. Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale underscored this position in a letter to Sauer, noting that the constitutional obligations of the presidency remain unaffected by civil proceedings.
The $454 million judgment adds significant financial and legal pressure on the Trump Organization as it grapples with allegations of fraudulent practices.
The ruling follows years of scrutiny over alleged misrepresentations and financial improprieties linked to the company’s operations.
In defending her office’s pursuit of the case, James remarked that accountability is crucial regardless of power or wealth. “No one is above the law,” she said, pointing to the alleged deceit and fraud at the heart of the litigation.
Meanwhile, the appeal process remains underway, with Trump’s team seeking to overturn Engoron’s ruling. Vale reiterated that the appeal alone does not provide grounds to pause the lawsuit, stressing that the defendants must address the allegations in court.
As Trump prepares for his inauguration, the continuation of the case raises broader questions about the intersection of political power and legal accountability.
Critics argue that the lawsuit could further entrench partisan divisions, while supporters of James’s decision view it as a necessary measure to uphold the rule of law.
Trump’s call for unity has been a prominent theme since his election, with Sauer emphasizing that this message extends to legal challenges such as the current case. However, James’s office has maintained that proceeding with the litigation aligns with the principles of justice and fairness.
For James, the decision to pursue the case reflects her broader commitment to holding powerful figures accountable.
The judgment’s significant financial implications, combined with daily accruing interest, highlight the seriousness of the allegations against the Trump Organization.
Trump’s legal team continues to argue that the lawsuit is a distraction and an unnecessary source of division during a critical period of national transition. Yet, James and her office remain steadfast in their view that justice must prevail, regardless of political considerations.