Donald Trump has launched a sharp rebuke at New York Attorney General Letitia James following a significant civil fraud judgment against him.
Newsweek reported that Trump argues that the substantial $489 million judgment against him is detrimental to New York's economy and deters investments in the state.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described James as a "total disaster." He emphasized that the judgment, which totals almost $500 million, alienates businesses from investing in New York, and he claimed this has adverse effects on its economy.
In February, Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump had misrepresented his wealth on financial documents presented to banks, insurers, and others. This alleged dishonesty was purportedly used to secure various deals and loans.
The initial ruling ordered Trump and other defendants to pay over $350 million in penalties. Including interest, the total judgment now exceeds $489 million, a figure that Trump decried as excessively punitive.
Trump's contention is that the large judgment has led companies to avoid investing in New York. He insisted that the nature and size of the judgment are creating economic repercussions across the state.
Referring to his social media post, Trump argued, "Companies are refusing to come in and invest as long as it is outstanding, and others are leaving because of it --- and nothing can stop them."
The judgment and James' handling of this and other cases have garnered significant media and legal attention. An opinion column by attorney and legal analyst Jonathan Turley in The Hill scrutinized James' approach.
Turley's column noted that at least two justices appeared skeptical about the magnitude of the judgment during a recent New York appeals court hearing. Turley further criticized James' strategy, suggesting that her political success stood in contrast to her legal challenges.
According to Turley, "James' political success in weaponizing her office has been in stark contrast with her legal setbacks in courts." He also pointed out that James had recently faced skepticism from Justices David Friedman and Peter Moulton.
Trump's lawyer, John Sauer, called the judgment "draconian" during the recent appeals court proceedings. The attorney echoed the sentiment that the fines were excessively harsh and could deter future investments.
Turley emphasized the political dimensions of the case, arguing, "It was never about markets. It was about politics. The fact that the banks were 'happy' is immaterial. Happiness in New York is a political, not legal calculus."
Last week, James experienced a legal defeat when a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against her in a case involving anti-abortion organizations and pregnancy counseling centers. The injunction prevents James from taking action against clinics that promote an unproven method to reverse medication abortions, on grounds of free speech.
Turley noted that James faced a "stinging defeat" in her lawsuit against these organizations. He argued that James' audience is political rather than legal, pointing out, "In the end, James knows her audience, and it is not appellate judges."
Trump extended his critique by stating, "The negative impact on New York State, and JOBS is like no other case that has been prosecuted in many years - A TOTAL DISASTER! Letitia James knows this but doesn't care - To her, it's just a Political Campaign. So sad for our Country."
Turley added that James "has converted the New York legal system into a series of thrill-kills." He claimed this approach had lost favor with some judges, saying, "For some judges, however, the thrill may be gone."
As the legal battles continue, the tension between Trump's defense team and Letitia James' office remains high. Whether there will be further developments or adjustments to the existing judgment remains uncertain.
The unfolding legal and political drama highlights the broader implications for both the former President and the State of New York.
