Lawyers representing President-elect Donald Trump have called on New York Attorney General Letitia James to drop her civil fraud case against Trump, his family, and his businesses, citing national unity as a reason.
“We request that you completely dismiss the case against President Donald J. Trump, his family, and his businesses, and vacate the judgment,” Trump attorney D. John Sauer wrote. Trump faces a $454 million civil fraud judgment stemming from James’ lawsuit, which he has appealed. Judges on a New York appeals court have reportedly shown openness to potentially overturning the ruling.
Sauer emphasized Trump’s appeal for an end to partisan divisions, stating, “President Trump has called for our nation’s partisan strife to end… This call for unity extends to the legal onslaught against him and his family.” He argued that the cases against Trump have become “a flashpoint of national partisan division” and stressed the importance of resolving this for the country’s well-being.
The letter follows recent legal victories for Trump, including the dismissal of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s charges related to the 2020 election and classified documents cases. “This case warrants the same treatment,” Sauer wrote, highlighting that Trump’s business dealings have resulted in no losses or victims. “Every loan and insurance payment was made in full, on time or early.” He also noted that Trump’s business partners benefited greatly from these transactions.
Sauer warned of the broader economic impact, suggesting the case has a “chilling effect” on New York businesses. “President Trump is one of the most successful developers in New York’s history… This lawsuit against him vindicates no public purpose.”
He concluded with a call for unity, invoking Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation, urging Americans to set aside divisions and restore national harmony. “Invoking the same spirit of unity, we request that you stipulate to the vacatur of the judgment and dismissal of this case with prejudice,” Sauer wrote.
