New York Attorney General Letitia James has been a central figure in the high-profile civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump and his family business. The lawsuit, filed in September 2022, accused Trump, his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, and the Trump Organization of engaging in a decade-long scheme to inflate asset values, securing favorable loans and insurance deals. James sought over $450 million in penalties and severe restrictions on the Trumps’ ability to operate businesses in New York. Her presence in the Manhattan courtroom during the 11-week trial, which began in October 2023, was notable. She sat prominently, overseeing the proceedings as her office presented evidence of what she called “staggering” fraud. The trial culminated in February 2024 with Judge Arthur Engoron ordering Trump to pay $354.8 million plus interest and barring him from running a New York company for three years. Donald Jr. and Eric faced $4 million fines each and two-year bans.
