President-elect Donald Trump has called on New York Attorney General Letitia James to dismiss the $454 million civil fraud case against him, his family, and his businesses. Trump’s legal team argues that continuing the case is harming the nation’s unity and serves no public purpose. They emphasize that the charges lack evidence of victims or misstatements and claim the case is politically motivated. With Trump’s recent legal victories, including appeals, his lawyers suggest this case should be dropped for the greater good of the country.
Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer, sent a letter to James, requesting that she “completely dismiss the above-referenced case” and vacate the judgment entirely. In the letter, Sauer emphasized that the ongoing legal battle was a divisive force within the nation, further fueling partisan conflicts. He believes that ending the case would contribute to national unity, referencing President Abraham Lincoln’s call for unity during the Civil War era.
“President Trump has called for our Nation’s partisan strife to end, and for the contending factions to join forces for the greater good of the country,” Sauer wrote. “This call for unity extends to the legal onslaught against him and his family.”
In September 2023, New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump and his company, the Trump Organization, had committed fraud by falsifying financial statements and misleading banks, insurers, and other business entities. This led to the imposition of the $454 million civil fraud judgment. However, Trump and his team have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the financial statements in question included disclaimers that alerted banks and other entities to conduct their own due diligence.
Trump’s legal team has consistently argued that the case is politically motivated. They point out that no victims have come forward to claim harm, and the businesses involved in the transactions reportedly made profits. Sauer emphasized that the financial transactions in question were beneficial for the business partners involved, with profits exceeding $100 million.
“Every loan and insurance payment was made in full, and either on time or early,” Sauer stated, reinforcing the idea that there were no tangible losses involved in the transactions. He further argued that continuing the case would only cause a “chilling effect” on businesses across New York, many of which are now seeking to relocate to more business-friendly states.
The legal battle took another turn when the New York appeals court appeared open to the possibility of reducing or even reversing the $454 million judgment. Trump’s legal team welcomed this development, stating that the court’s willingness to consider a reduction in the judgment was a sign of progress. Sauer’s letter to James highlighted that the case’s continuing impact on the business community, particularly in New York, should be a reason for its dismissal.
As part of his defense, Trump has vowed to take the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. He has also emphasized his accomplishments as a prominent real estate developer in New York, stating that his work revitalized key areas of the city and created thousands of jobs. According to Sauer, the lawsuit serves no public purpose and is merely a tool for partisan division.
The legal team also drew attention to other recent legal victories, such as the dismissal of a separate case involving Special Counsel Jack Smith, who had sought charges against Trump related to the 2020 election. With multiple legal battles ongoing, Trump’s lawyers argue that the civil fraud case in New York is merely another instance of politically motivated legal actions.
Despite the hurdles, Trump’s legal team remains confident in their position and has promised to continue fighting the case. The defense has called for the immediate dismissal of the case, citing the lack of evidence, the harm it causes to the business community, and the broader implications for national unity.
Trump’s legal team believes that the case against him represents a broader issue of divisiveness in the country. The lawsuit, they argue, is part of a larger effort to tarnish Trump’s reputation and hinder his political aspirations. However, his attorneys remain steadfast, asserting that their legal strategies will ultimately lead to a favorable outcome.
The request to dismiss the case is just one chapter in Trump’s ongoing legal battles. As he prepares for his second term in office, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for his presidency and his legacy. The situation remains fluid, and the public will be closely watching the developments in both the courtrooms and the political arena.
