New York Attorney General Letitia James reaffirmed her confidence in the $454 million fraud judgment against former President Donald Trump during remarks at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Thursday.
Speaking at a breakfast event, James dismissed the arguments made by Trump’s legal team in their ongoing appeal as a “repetition” of claims previously rejected by the courts.
James’s comments follow a filing by her office late Wednesday urging the Appellate Division to uphold New York Judge Arthur Engoron’s February 2023 ruling.
The judgment found Trump and his business associates liable for extensive civil fraud, resulting in significant financial penalties, restrictions on Trump’s business operations in the state, and the appointment of a court monitor to oversee the Trump Organization for three years.
The appeal, led by Trump’s attorneys, contends that the judgment—now exceeding $485 million with interest—is an “unauthorized, unprecedented power grab” and argues that no actual financial harm was done.
However, Assistant Solicitor General Daniel S. Magy argued in a 168-page response that Trump and his executives engaged in a “pattern of deceptive strategies” to inflate the value of assets, misrepresenting the former president’s financial standing.
During the DNC event, James addressed Trump’s public claims that New York is no longer a favorable environment for business.
“Clearly, businesses are thriving in the great state of New York,” she said, citing the stock market’s performance.
James further criticized Trump’s attempts to deflect from the case, stating:
“The law is clear—Trump engaged in a pattern of fraud. If anyone else did the same, they would face the same consequences.”
The Appellate Division has scheduled oral arguments for September 26, a date that coincides with the height of the 2024 election season.
Depending on the outcome, the court could affirm, modify, or overturn the lower court’s decision. If the ruling is unfavorable to Trump, his legal team could seek further review from New York’s highest court. A decision is anticipated before the November 2024 election.
Trump’s $175 million bond ensures that the state cannot collect the judgment while the appeal is pending, but a final ruling from the appellate court could significantly impact the former president’s financial and business interests as he campaigns for the White House.
