Donald Trump’s Inauguration Won’t Delay $454 Million Civil Fraud Case
Donald Trump’s return to the White House as the next president will not pause ongoing litigation related to a $454 million civil fraud judgment, the New York Attorney General’s office confirmed Tuesday. The case, which accuses Trump and his adult sons of inflating his net worth to secure favorable loans, remains unaffected by his presidential duties.
The original judgment, which includes $36 million in interest, stems from allegations that Trump engaged in fraudulent business practices over the course of a decade. Trump’s legal team has appealed the ruling, but the total amount owed now exceeds $490 million.
Legal Team Pushes Back
New York Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale, representing Attorney General Letitia James, rejected recent requests from Trump’s legal team to dismiss the case. In a letter addressed to Trump’s appellate lawyer, D. John Sauer, Vale affirmed that civil litigation against a sitting president does not conflict with constitutional obligations.
“The burdens of civil litigation do not interfere with the President’s official duties,” Vale wrote, pushing back against Sauer’s argument that dropping the case would promote unity and ease political tensions.
Sauer, who has been nominated by Trump to serve as solicitor general, had argued that ongoing legal proceedings, including the civil fraud case, perpetuate partisan divides. He cited the recent dismissal of Trump’s federal election interference and classified documents cases as a precedent for de-escalation.
No Immunity in Civil Cases
Vale emphasized that the civil nature of the case allows the New York Attorney General’s office to pursue legal remedies regardless of Trump’s position as president. She dismissed claims that the appeal process would interfere with Trump’s executive responsibilities.
“This case remains entirely independent from the criminal cases brought against Mr. Trump by other offices, such as the Special Counsel or the Manhattan District Attorney,” Vale wrote.
What’s Next?
A decision on Trump’s appeal of the judgment is expected soon, but New York Attorney General Letitia James has vowed to defend the ruling throughout the appellate process. Despite the change in Trump’s political status, legal experts agree that civil cases are not bound by presidential immunity.
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