Letitia James vows to continue targeting Trump after years in the courtroom: 'Trump derangement syndrome'
FOX NewsNov 10
New York AG Rejects Trump's Plea to Drop $454M Fraud Case
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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 Facts
New York Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday declined US Pres.-elect Donald Trump's request to dismiss the $454M civil fraud case against him, his family, and his businesses.
In a letter to Trump attorney D. John Sauer, Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale argued that presidents do not have immunity from civil litigation arising from unofficial conduct, and such lawsuits may proceed during a president's term in office.
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.
