Trump’s Legal Challenges: A New Twist in New York
New York’s Democratic Attorney General, Letitia James, may be facing further setbacks in her legal battles against former President Donald Trump, according to George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley.
The New York Court of Appeals ruled on Thursday that a substantial $355 million civil penalty imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron in February 2024 was in violation of the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits excessive fines. During an appearance on “Faulkner Focus,” Turley described the ruling as a “risky victory” for Trump, suggesting that it may open the door for more favorable outcomes for the former president.
“This is a significant win for President Trump, but it’s been a long time coming,” Turley noted. He mentioned that many observers considered the lawsuit to be an extreme misuse of New York law. In fact, he pointed out that the bank involved was actually seeking more business from Trump. Turley reflected on the bizarre nature of the legal effort, stating, “Securing a trophy victory over Trump seemed like an agenda for Letitia James, but this ruling has shifted the stakes considerably.”
Turley then shifted focus to the New York court system, suggesting that the court has restored some credibility that was lost amid the proceedings. He remarked, “Many believed James had overstepped in her actions, underscoring that either she was remarkably fortunate in her choice of a judge or that she simply hadn’t appealed decisively.”
James initially filed a lawsuit against Trump in September 2022, alleging that he inflated the values of his properties to secure favorable loans. Her scrutiny of Trump dates back to her 2018 campaign for Attorney General, where she notably labeled him an “illegal president.” Turley asserted that the recent ruling would impact the state’s business climate positively.
He said, “There are still pertinent questions surrounding injunctive relief and the courts have been inconsistent with these issues. But the appeals court has sent a clear message to the business and legal communities: they will not tolerate gross misuse of the law.”
As part of a prior ruling, Engoron mandated that Trump pay civil penalties and interest, and barred him from serving as an officer or director of any New York-based company or organization following a civil trial.
