New York Attorney General Letitia James: President Trump engaged in 'persistent and repeated fraud'

(2 Oct 2023)
FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4456270

ASSOCIATED PRESS
New York -- 2 October 2023
1. Letitia James, New York State Attorney General, walks to microphones

ANNOTATION: New York Attorney General Letitia James spoke to reporters before President Donald Trump made a rare trip to court on Monday for the start of a civil trial.

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Letitia James, New York State Attorney General: ++CONTINUES FROM SHOT 1++
"Good morning, everyone. Donald Trump and the other defendants have committed persistent and repeated fraud. Last week we proved that in our motion for summary judgment. Today we will prove our other claims. My message is simple: No matter how powerful you are, no matter how much money you think you may have, no one is above the law. And it is my responsibility and my duty and my job to enforce it. The law is both powerful and fragile, and today in court, we will prove our case. I thank you all for being here. And again, justice will prevail. Thank you."
3. James walks into courthouse

ANNOTATION: The trial is the culmination of a yearslong investigation into Trump's business dealings. James has accused Trump and his company of habitually lying about his wealth in financial statements. The trial in James’ lawsuit has already resulted in a judge ruling Trump committed fraud in his business dealings.
STORYLINE:

New York Attorney General Letitia James says ahead of former President Donald Trump’s trip to court for the start of a civil trial over his business dealings that he has engaged in “persistent and repeated fraud” for years.

James said outside court Monday she looks forward to “demonstrating the full extent of his fraud and illegality during trial.” Trump has said he’ll make a rare, voluntary trip to court for the start of the civil trial.

The trial in James’ lawsuit has already resulted in a judge ruling Trump committed fraud in his business dealings. Control over some of Trump’s most prized real estate holdings is in jeopardy. 

AP video shot by Robert Bumsted

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[Fontenotcjf]

If she thinks she can prove fraud then why didn't she file criminal charges? Instead, she chose to misuse public funds to sue Trump in a civil case on behalf of private banks. This is illegal in some states for an AG to abuse a public position in this manner. She should be disbarred and in jail.

[whaleofaday]

I never would have thought that a Democrat would turn me Republican. I never voted for Trump before, but i am now.

[Seanpfree]

Partisan Hackery. Prosecuting anyone for what EVERY DEVELOPER does on a daily basis is wrong. I'm no fan of Trump, but this is wrong and NY will suffer the consequences when no one invests.

[garylandavazo]

This will be overturned & hopefully Letitia James will get what she deserves!

[mikewilliams]

Everything they're doing to Trump just makes him stronger in more of a following

[thomasgirty]

I'm STILL waiting for them to bring in a who got screwed??? who didn't get paid??? seems even the state GOT THIER MONEY so who's the PLAINTIFF????

[robh]

Hopefully karma and Justice comes for her and her handlers very soon.

[jimdoe]

Land next to Trump's palace is worth 100, 000, 000. Just the land lol... 25 million for Trump's place though lol

[kennygismo]

With the mess that the City of New York has become, there has to be many other important issues that the state's AG should be addressing instead of showing up at the courthouse in NYC when there are a lot of cameras present. This woman is a disgrace to her profession and the State of New York as well.

[wito]

She should have recused herself after this statement. Definite prejudice.

[benjaminjohn]

Investing now should be in every wise individuals list, in some months time you'll be ecstatic with the decision you made today. The Inflation is killing me prices is killing us all. The money made is not enough to sort everything out and the family. What we need is a lucrative business or investment. And I just did and very proud I did!!🇺🇸🇺🇸

[joethegreatest]

What this woman is doing twisting the law for her own political agenda is wicked. This woman should not hold no public office

[getdat]

This one, the other one, and the unspoken beside that one are the frauds.

[mikewilliams]

Joe vacationed through 40 percent of his presidency while america burns

[lynncm]

This is a witch hunt and she’s the witch.

[KOMMNSENSETHINKN]

Trump Trump Trump Trump Sound familiar?😂😂😂

[CraigLMoran]

Thank you for waisting the time and money of the People of New York. Who else in New York will you be changing for the same crime?

[MrSteelehead]

Halloween is over honey buns.
See you again “never please”.

[KennethAlan-srch]

Letitia James I rebuke you in the powerful name of Jesus.

[Soma]

She would look cute in a Orange Jumpsuit Bet the other inmates would not tolrate her