In a recent development in the ongoing legal battle, Donald Trump‘s attorney, Alina Habba, has publicly criticized New York Attorney General Letitia James, as the case against the former President unfolds.
What Happened: Alina Habba, attorney for former President Donald Trump, took aim at New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday, questioning her intelligence in a Newsmax interview. James is spearheading a civil trial against Trump and his adult sons for alleged business fraud, reported The Hill.
"She's just not that bright. I'm sorry, I have to say it," Habba said in the interview. "I've seen their case; I've seen their lawyers. They don't know what they're talking about."
Despite Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling confirming the occurrence of fraud, Habba dismissed the strength of James’ case. She claimed that the actions deemed fraudulent by the judge are actually commonplace in the industry.
Habba’s comments were made as Trump testified on Monday, leading to tense exchanges with Judge Engoron. During the trial, Trump’s responses veered off into political commentary, prompting Engoron to intervene and request order.
New York’s Attorney General is pursuing $250 million in financial penalties and aims to prohibit Trump and his sons from managing businesses in the state. Despite Trump’s confrontational testimony, James expressed her resolve to not be swayed by what she termed as “distractions” from Trump.
Why It Matters: The legal scrutiny of Trump’s business practices has intensified. In November last year, Trump labeled James a “political hack” during his testimony, suggesting the trial was a form of “election interference.” His statements were part of the ongoing narrative that the trial is politically motivated, especially since it followed testimonies from his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
Prior to that, the trial gained attention in October when details emerged about the valuation of Trump’s Mar-A-Lago property and other assets. The trial, devoid of a jury, saw Judge Engoron’s decision to rescind several of Trump's business licenses after determining fraud had occurred. This decision was a significant precursor to the current proceedings, as detailed in a Benzinga report on the trial’s early developments.
The outcome of this trial could have substantial implications for Trump’s future business endeavors in New York, including a potential ban on managing businesses, alongside a sizable financial penalty.
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