Trump Suffers Big Blow as Letitia James Delivers Unexpected Ruling Against Him in NY Fraud Trial

New York Attorney General Letitia James has vowed to vigorously oppose former President Donald Trump’s appeal in his high-profile New York fraud trial, as per Newsweek on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

This legal battle, which began in September 2022, accuses Trump and his associates of inflating his assets to secure more favorable business loans.

The lawsuit filed by James targets Trump, his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, the Trump Organization, and two key executives, Allen Weisselberg and Jeff McConney.

In a landmark ruling on February 16, Judge Arthur Engoron ordered Trump to pay approximately $355 million in penalties, with interest raising the total to $454 million.

On Monday, Trump’s legal team filed an appeal, arguing that the ruling “violates centuries of New York case law” and describing it as needlessly “draconian.”

They claimed there were “no victims and no losses” resulting from Trump’s actions and argued that James’ case was time-barred.

However, a spokesperson for James’ office dismissed these arguments, stating that there is nothing new in Trump’s appeal.

“Once again, the defendants are raising arguments that they were already sanctioned and fined for.

“We won this case based on the facts and the law, and we are confident we will prevail on appeal,” the spokesperson said.

The appeal document claims that Trump’s bankers “raved internally about their business with him and were eager for more,” suggesting that they were not victims of any fraud.

It further argued that if Trump’s actions constituted fraud, “then that word has no meaning,” and that James’ authority to “seize and destroy private businesses” would become “boundless—and standardless.”

Engoron’s ruling also imposed significant restrictions on Trump and his associates. Trump, Weisselberg, and McConney were barred from serving as officers or directors of any New York corporation or other legal entity in the state for three years.

Additionally, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump were each ordered to pay more than $4 million and were barred from conducting business in the state for two years.

Trump, who is the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that the case is politically motivated.

His lawyer, Chris Kise, expressed confidence in the appeal, telling Newsweek, “The case raises serious legal and constitutional questions regarding ‘fraud’ claims/findings without any actual fraud.”

Kise also accused James and Judge Engoron of attempting to drive Trump out of New York, which he argued would be detrimental to the city.

“Running a major business out of New York is bad for the city and its economy,” Kise stated.

When asked about the timing of the appeal, Kise indicated that it would “depend on many factors so it’s hard to say at the moment,” but assured that it would be filed within the legal time limit.

He reiterated his belief that James’ definition of fraud in the case is overly broad and lacks a basis for actual fraudulent activities.

Trump’s legal battles have continued to draw significant public and media attention. His supporters view the case as part of a broader political vendetta, while critics argue that it underscores longstanding issues of accountability and transparency within his business operations.

The outcome of this appeal could have far-reaching implications not only for Trump and his business empire but also for the legal standards governing fraud and business practices in New York.

As the case progresses, both sides are preparing for what promises to be a contentious and closely watched legal showdown.

The ongoing saga between Donald Trump and Letitia James continues to evolve, with each legal maneuver adding another layer to this complex and highly publicized case.

As the appeal process unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the courtroom, awaiting the next chapter in this dramatic legal battle.