Former President Donald Trump is no stranger to the courtroom, but the saga is far from over. This week, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office raised the curtain on a $250 million lawsuit against Trump, announcing that it’s officially headed for trial. Trump might be prepping for a 2024 political comeback, but he may need to trade his campaign rally for a courtroom in the interim.
Trump’s announcement of a potential return to politics was echoed by the Department of Justice special counsel, Jack Smith, laying down a four-count indictment for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. It seems like “MAGA 2024” will need to juggle a campaign and a court case simultaneously.
Letitia James filed her lawsuit back in September 2022, dropping a bombshell of accusations against Trump, his family business, and three of his children. The suit alleges a level of fraud so staggering it might make you do a double-take: overvaluation of Trump’s assets by billions. This alleged financial shell game wasn’t just for bragging rights. James asserts that the Trumps pocketed $250 million through these deceptions.
And what’s the aftermath if found liable? It could mean a farewell to the Trump business operations in New York state. The lawsuit is not just about returning the alleged ill-gotten gains but also about running Trump’s business ventures out of town if he is found guilty.
According to Kevin Wallace, James’ Senior Enforcement Counsel, this lawsuit is now warmed up and ready for trial. It’s game on for the legal proceedings.
But when is this courtroom drama set to begin? Judge Arthur Engoron has marked October 2 on his calendar and it’s “set in stone.” Even as Trump’s attorneys tried to buy more time, Engoron stood firm, ensuring that the trial date remains unchanged.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that Trump’s not-so-great escape from his legal troubles is far from over. The one-time reality TV star, businessman, and former president is once again stepping into the spotlight. Only this time, the stage is a courtroom and the stakes are higher than ever. Stay tuned for this high-profile case that’s sure to spark debate, ruffle feathers, and make headlines.