Julian Epstein Criticizes Letitia James’ Appeal of Trump Fraud Ruling

Julian Epstein, a veteran Democratic strategist, appeared on Fox News on Friday, expressing his disapproval of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ decision to appeal a ruling that dismissed a $454 million civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump.

James officially announced on Thursday her intention to challenge the court’s decision made last month, which had dismissed the hefty civil fraud penalty against Trump. During his appearance on “The Evening Edit,” Epstein characterized the move as politically motivated and deeply flawed.

“That was my immediate reaction to Letitia James’ approach and many of Trump’s legal battles. It’s just doubling down on foolishness,” Epstein remarked. He noted that the judges appointed in the New York Court of Appeals were predominantly liberal Democrats.

According to Epstein, James’ actions have been politically charged and represent an abuse of power from the outset.

“The idea that you can impose a $500 million fine when all parties involved in the Deutsche Bank case claimed there was no actual harm shows this is an unjust prosecution. It’s political in nature. In my opinion, she should abandon this entirely,” he added.

James filed a lawsuit against Trump in 2022, alleging that he inflated the value of his properties to secure loans. Notably, during her 2018 campaign, she referred to him as an “illegal president.” In 2024, Judge Arthur Engoron prohibited Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York-based company for three years and mandated that he pay full penalties and interest.

The New York Court of Appeals ruled in August that Engoron’s civil penalties against Trump were excessive and violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against excessive fines.