New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office has decided not to drop the civil case against President-elect Donald Trump, despite his push to get it dismissed.
In a letter to Trump attorney D. John Sauer, state Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale said there is “no basis” for the case to be dismissed.
Last month, Mr. Sauer called on Ms. James to drop the civil case against the president-elect for “the good of the country.” He was recently tapped to be Mr. Trump’s U.S. solicitor general.
Mr. Trump and his adult sons were found liable for fraud in February in a lawsuit brought by Ms. James and overseen by Judge Arthur Engoron. The judge ruled that they had inflated Mr. Trump’s worth to get better loan deals. Mr. Trump was ordered to pay $454 million plus growing interest.
He has appealed the decision.
“The judgment thus does not concern any conduct related to Mr. Trump’s first term as President. Nor does it implicate any conduct that Mr. Trump might undertake after his upcoming inauguration,” Ms. Vale’s letter reads. “Presidents do not have immunity from civil lawsuits arising from unofficial conduct, and such lawsuits may proceed while the President is in office.”
She wrote that there “no merit to your claim that the pendency of defendants’ own appeal will impede Mr. Trump’s official duties as President.”
Ms. James has said previously that she will not give this up and is “ready to do everything in my power to ensure our state and nation do not go backwards” due to a second Trump administration.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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