Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday dismissed the idea he could settle the claims that state Attorney General Letitia James brought against him over his property valuations.
Mr. Trump, writing on Truth Social, vented against Ms. James and Judge Arthur Engoron as his monthslong civil trial neared its conclusion.
“HE RULED THAT I WAS A FRAUD BEFORE HE EVEN SAW THE CASE, THEN TRIED TO GET ME TO SETTLE. A TOTAL HIT JOB,” Mr. Trump wrote about Judge Engoron.
The state is presenting a rebuttal case after the defense rested Tuesday.
Ms. James claims Mr. Trump and his real estate business repeatedly submitted fraudulent financial statements to gain favorable terms on loans and insurance.
Mr. Trump says the lawsuit is a political hit job designed to thwart his 2024 presidential campaign. He says Ms. James and her lawyers don’t understand basic real estate practices and that banks were happy to work with him.
“They’ve got nothing other than a corrupt Attorney General, who ran on ‘I will get TRUMP,’ and a Trump Hating Radical Left Judge, who may be crazy,” Mr. Trump wrote.
Judge Engoron already ruled that some fraud occurred. The trial centers on remaining claims and damages.
Ms. James is seeking more than $300 million and wants to stop the Trump family from doing business in New York.
ABC News reported the judge sounded wistful on what is likely the last day of the trial.
“In a strange way, I am going to miss this trial,” he said. “It has been an experience.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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