NY AG Rejects Trump's Bid to Drop Fraud Case

New York Attorney General Letitia James has firmly rejected President-elect Donald Trump's request to drop a civil fraud case against him, which involves a judgment of approximately $497 million for allegedly inflating his assets' value. Trump's legal team, led by attorney John Sauer, argued that the case should be dropped for the 'greater good of the country' as he prepares to assume office. However, Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale clarified in her response letter that there is no constitutional basis to vacate or dismiss the case, as civil litigation does not impede presidential duties. The New York AG's office emphasized that presidential immunity does not cover civil lawsuits from unofficial conduct, citing a 1997 Supreme Court ruling against former President Bill Clinton as precedent. Trump's appeal against the ruling is ongoing, and the office remains committed to pursuing the case, asserting it is in the state's and nation's interest to hold accountable those who commit fraud.