New York attorney general asks judge to fine Trump over ‘frivolous’ arguments
New York Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday asked a judge to fine Donald Trump and his legal team $20,000 for repeating “frivolous” arguments that have already been rejected by the court in a civil fraud lawsuit against the former president.
The lawsuit, which was filed in 2020, alleges that Trump and his businesses engaged in a years-long pattern of misleading investors, banks, and insurance companies about the value of his assets. James is seeking $250 million in damages.
In her filing, James said that Trump and his lawyers have repeatedly made the same arguments in the lawsuit, even though the court has already ruled against them. For example, Trump’s lawyers have argued that James’ office does not have the legal authority to bring the lawsuit, but the court has already rejected that argument.
James said that Trump’s repeated use of frivolous arguments is a “waste of judicial resources” and is “designed to delay and obstruct justice.” She is asking the judge to impose sanctions of $20,000 for each time Trump or his lawyers make a frivolous argument.
Trump’s lawyers have not yet responded to James’ filing.
The trial in the lawsuit is scheduled to begin on January 17, 2024.
In addition to the civil fraud lawsuit, Trump is also facing a criminal investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. That investigation is looking into whether Trump and his businesses committed financial crimes.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing in both the civil and criminal investigations.
