A Trump Attorney Claims New York Attorney General’s Lawsuit is Baseless
A member of former President Donald Trump’s legal team boldly stated that New York Attorney General Letitia James doesn’t have a case as she pursues a civil lawsuit accusing the former commander-in-chief of fraud.
During a recent hearing, President Trump’s attorneys vehemently argued that James, a Democrat, lacks the authority to sue the former president. They asserted that the lawsuit was filed outside the statute of limitations and failed to demonstrate any harm to anyone. According to reporters, they claimed that James’s case is “out of context.”
Trump attorney Christopher Kise further dismissed the allegations, stating that neither the former president nor the defendants from the Trump Organization committed fraud. He criticized the attorney general’s arguments, suggesting they were merely based on the notion of “Believe me, this is fraud.”
State Justice Arthur Engoron is currently reviewing the arguments presented by President Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization. They are urging the court to dismiss the case, emphasizing the absence of fraud, harm, and the expiration of the claims. However, James insists that the defendants should be held liable for fraud and seeks a ruling to that effect before the trial begins.
The judge, who recognizes the significance of the case, plans to deliver a ruling on September 26. He emphasized the importance of fairness and honesty in the marketplace, stating that the absence of harm does not warrant dismissal.
James aims to impose penalties of at least $250 million and prevent the Trumps from conducting business in New York. The former president and his sons vehemently deny any wrongdoing, accusing the attorney general of launching a politically motivated attack against them.
Supporters fly flags on a boat to show support near former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Fla., on April 1, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The attorney general previously accused President Trump of lying in financial statements from 2011 to 2021, allegedly defrauding banks and insurers to obtain favorable loan and insurance terms. She claimed that Trump overvalued properties such as Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower, inflating his fortune by billions.
However, during the recent court hearing, Kise argued that there is no evidence to support these claims. He dismissed the attorney general’s statements as baseless and insignificant, emphasizing that the case revolves around successful business transactions rather than fraud.
In response, James’s team accused Trump of knowingly providing false valuations, including misrepresenting the value of Mar-a-Lago and the size of the Trump Tower penthouse. They criticized the defendants for denying objective truth and accused them of living in an alternate reality.
Kise countered by stating that valuations are subjective and vary based on individual perspectives. He argued that the attorney general’s office is prosecuting the defendants for their successful business dealings. NBC News reported his remarks.
However, Amer, a lawyer from James’s office, dismissed Kise’s argument, asserting that valuations are determined by market conditions and not subjective opinions.
Last week, President Trump filed a lawsuit against Justice Engoron, accusing him of delaying the case. The lawsuit sought to postpone the trial until the judge determines which claims the attorney general can pursue, allowing the defendants to adequately prepare.
Defense lawyers also accused James of disregarding a June appeals court decision. The appeals court is expected to rule on whether the trial should proceed as scheduled.
James’s lawsuit is just one of the legal challenges President Trump faces as he continues his 2024 campaign for the White House. Recent polls indicate that he is the leading Republican candidate, with overwhelming support compared to other contenders. While Trump enjoys 57.5 percent support, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the second-place candidate, only has 13.3 percent support.
This year, Trump has been indicted four times, facing charges in Georgia, Manhattan, Washington, D.C., and Florida. He maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty.
Reuters contributed to this report.
What criticism does Kise offer regarding James’s arguments and the lack of concrete evidence presented
Ing that they are merely allegations without any concrete proof. Kise further expressed confidence in the innocence of President Trump and his sons, asserting that they have always conducted their business affairs with integrity.
The lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James alleges that President Trump and his organization engaged in fraudulent activities by manipulating financial statements and inflating the value of properties to secure favorable loans and insurance terms. James seeks to hold the defendants accountable for their actions and impose substantial penalties.
In response, Trump’s legal team has vehemently denied these accusations, arguing that the lawsuit lacks merit and should be dismissed. They contend that the claims are baseless and outside the statute of limitations. Additionally, they argue that the lawsuit fails to demonstrate any harm caused to anyone.
During the court hearing, Kise criticized James’s arguments, stating that they are built on the notion of “Believe me, this is fraud.” He questioned the validity of the attorney general’s claims, pointing out that they rely on unsubstantiated allegations rather than concrete evidence.
State Justice Arthur Engoron is currently reviewing the arguments presented by both parties. The judge recognizes the importance of the case and has expressed the desire to ensure fairness and honesty in the marketplace. He emphasized that the absence of harm does not justify the dismissal of the
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