New York AG Rejects Trump's Plea to Drop $454M Fraud Case

Above: Letitia James speaks during a press conference following a verdict against Donald Trump in a civil fraud trial on Feb. 16, 2024, in New York City. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

James' case has no victims, complaints, causation, or injuries and losses. It would be dangerous to permit such an action to remain pending against Trump as it will impede a sitting US president from carrying out his constitutional duties. For the health of the nation, James must stop weaponizing the law against Trump.

Democratic narrative

Trump's upcoming administration has no bearing on the case's outcome. James' case isn't a criminal action — and since the court hasn't imposed any criminal sanction on the defendants — its so-called burdens don't impede the president's official duties in a way that violates the US Constitution. Trump must pay for his repeated and persistent fraud.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 2% chance that Donald Trump will be jailed or incarcerated before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.



Political split

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RIGHT