New York Attorney General Letitia James announced she will not drop the civil fraud case against President-elect Donald Trump while awaiting a decision from the appeals court, emphasizing that presidents are not immune from civil litigation.
Last month, Trump and his legal team called on James to abandon the lawsuit against him, his family, and his businesses, citing “the greater good of the country.” However, James has made it clear her office will not relent.
The case stems from a $454 million civil fraud judgment against Trump, which he has appealed. Judges on a New York appeals court have signaled they may be open to reversing the judgment entirely.
On Tuesday, James’ office reiterated its position, stating that presidents are not shielded from civil lawsuits related to conduct outside their official duties. Her office argued that such cases “may proceed while the president is in office.”
James also asserted that the final judgment does not pertain to Trump’s presidential duties and noted that his upcoming inauguration has no bearing on the 14 other defendants held liable in the case.
The attorney general’s office is awaiting the appellate court’s decision on Trump’s appeal, emphasizing that the pending outcome of the civil case does not interfere with Trump’s ability to assume the presidency.
The case has added to the legal challenges facing Trump as he prepares to take office, and it highlights ongoing tensions between the former president and New York’s top law enforcement official.
