Trump’s lawyer slams Letitia James as ‘attention-seeking’ for increasing penalty in fraud case
Former President Trump’s Attorney Accuses New York Attorney General of Seeking Fame
Alina Habba, the attorney representing former President Donald Trump, has criticized New York’s Democratic attorney general, Letitia James, for being “fame-hungry.” James recently announced that the state is seeking fines of up to $370 million in a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump’s business empire.
Allegations of Fraudulent Business Statements
In September 2022, Letitia James sued Trump and his business associates, accusing them of making fraudulent business statements to inflate the value of his assets. This was allegedly done to secure more favorable business terms, and James initially claimed that Trump should owe $250 million. However, she has now filed new evidence in the case, arguing that the fines should be raised to $370 million.
Putting Politics Before the Interests of New York State
Habba expressed her opinion that Letitia James has always prioritized her own fame and political agenda over the interests of New York State. She believes that James wants to financially cripple the Trump Organization, harm innocent individuals, and strip them of their severance pay.
Emerging Evidence and Damages
While Habba dismissed James’s recent filings as an attempt to “up the ante,” the attorney general pointed to evidence that has emerged throughout the case. The damages are categorized into three groups: earnings Trump gained from misstating his assets, bonuses paid to Trump Organization employees involved in the alleged scheme, and profits from two deals that James claims were obtained fraudulently.
The two deals in question involve the sale of the Old Post Office in Washington, which resulted in a $139 million profit, and the sale of the Ferry Point golf course in New York City, which resulted in a $60 million profit.
A Long-Standing Interest in Trump
Letitia James’s interest in Trump predates her five-year tenure as attorney general. During her campaign in 2017, she referred to Trump as a “con man” and promised to thoroughly investigate his real estate dealings.
Defense from Trump’s Experts
Habba argues that the experts who testified on behalf of Trump during the trial should inform the judge that Trump did nothing wrong. She claims that Trump’s statements actually provided too much information and that there were no victims. Habba also highlights Deutsche Bank’s positive experience working with Trump, stating that he paid off his loans early and was a great client.
The trial is currently ongoing, with Judge Arthur Engoron presiding. He previously ruled in favor of James’s allegations and ordered the dissolution of Trump’s New York business. Closing arguments are scheduled for January 11, and Engoron will decide on penalties by the end of the month.
The trial’s purpose is now focused on whether Trump and the defendants violated state fraud statutes and whether disgorgement, the amount Trump should be forced to pay, will be ordered.
What is the timing of Letitia James’ announcement of the civil fraud lawsuit and why does Alina Habba criticize it?
Harm Trump and his business empire solely for her own personal gain and political ambition. Habba accused James of using this civil fraud lawsuit as a means to boost her profile and gain attention, rather than genuinely seeking justice.
Habba’s criticism stems from the timing of James’ announcement, which she believes was strategically planned to coincide with the upcoming elections. As a Democratic attorney general, James is seeking re-election, and Habba argues that her actions are driven by her desire to gain popularity among her supporters. By aggressively pursuing charges against Trump, Habba claims that James is attempting to appeal to voters and enhance her chances of securing another term.
Furthermore, Habba argues that James’ pursuit of fines against Trump’s business empire is not in the best interest of New York State. She argues that the state should be focusing on more pressing issues, such as economic recovery and public safety, rather than wasting time and resources on a politically-motivated lawsuit. Habba claims that this lawsuit is nothing but a distraction from the real issues affecting New Yorkers and accuses James of neglecting her responsibilities as attorney general.
In response to Habba’s accusations, Letitia James defended herself and the motives behind her lawsuit. She emphasized that her duty as attorney general is to enforce the law and hold individuals and corporations accountable for their actions. James argued that the civil fraud lawsuit against Trump’s business empire is justified based on the evidence and allegations of fraudulent business practices.
It is important to note that this ongoing legal battle between the former president and the attorney general of New York is not just a personal matter for both parties involved. The outcome of this case will potentially have significant implications for the business practices of Trump’s empire and the reputation of a former president. Furthermore, it sheds light on the responsibilities and potential motivations of elected officials in their pursuit of justice.
In conclusion, Alina Habba, the attorney representing former President Donald Trump, has accused New York’s Attorney General Letitia James of seeking fame and furthering her own political agenda through her pursuit of fines against Trump’s business empire. Habba argues that James is prioritizing her own personal gain over the interests of New York State. On the other hand, James defends her actions and motives by asserting that she is simply fulfilling her duties as attorney general to hold individuals and corporations accountable. This legal battle sheds light on the intersection of politics, fame, and justice, and will ultimately have broader implications for the business practices and reputation of a former president.
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