Former President Donald Trump is attacking the judge and New York attorney general involved in the civil trial against his business that began Monday and could last months.
Mr. Trump said Judge Arthur Engoron, whose ruling against him last week allowed the Manhattan trial to proceed, had misrepresented the value of his assets and should resign.
“Likewise, Letitia James should resign for purposeful and criminal Election Interference,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. “She is fully aware that Mar-a-Lago, and other assets, are worth much more than what she is claiming. Both of these Democrat Operatives are a disgrace to New York, and to the United States of America!”
The no-jury trial before Judge Engoron will consider whether Mr. Trump, a long-time real estate mogul, should pay massive damages over claims the ex-president manipulated the value of his properties and assets to gain financial advantages on loans and insurance policies.
After arriving at the courthouse, Mr. Trump said on social media that he was ready to fight the case against a “racist” attorney general and a “rogue, out of control, Trump hating judge” — writing in all caps for emphasis.
The case could have sweeping ramifications for Mr. Trump’s finances and ability to do business in New York.
Mr. Trump, the GOP front-runner in the 2024 presidential race, said late Sunday he planned to attend court proceedings Monday. He spent much of the morning unloading on the judge and Ms. James.
The Trump campaign blasted out an email Monday highlighting donations to Ms. James’ campaigns from George Soros, a major liberal donor and frequent punching bag for Republicans.
“Letitia James made clear that ‘getting Trump’ was the motivating force behind her campaign for attorney general,” the campaign said.
Ms. James said Monday her case is solid. She pointed to the prior ruling from Judge Engoron, who said Mr. Trump was operating in a “fantasy world,” and said the ex-president inflated his net worth to “cheat the system.”
“No matter how rich or powerful you are, there are not two sets of laws for people in this country,” she said. “The rule of law must apply equally to everyone, and it is my responsibility to make sure that it does.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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