Article Summary –
Donald Trump’s fraud trial came to a close with the former president being fined over $350m and banned from doing business in New York for years, marking the highest-profile case to date for New York Attorney General Letitia James. James has also pursued other high-profile cases including a civil case against top officials of the National Rifle Association, the Catholic church for mishandling child sexual abuse, and Pepsi for polluting the Buffalo River with single-use plastic. Despite accusations of using her office for political gain, James argued that ignoring such cases would have been a “dereliction of duty.”
Protests and Praise as Trump’s Fraud Trial Closes
As closing arguments for Donald Trump’s highly publicized New York fraud trial were about to commence, protestors gathered outside the courthouse. They denounced the former president, chanting “No dictators in the USA.”
Their chants changed to cheers as Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, arrived. James has been the public figure of the trial, drawing attention with her reactions to Trump’s team.
Trump expressed his discontent on social media, claiming his financial statements were sound and accusing James of political corruption. James maintained her calm, focusing on the trial proceedings and dismissing personal attacks.
Victory for Attorney General Letitia James
The trial ended in favour of James, with Judge Arthur Engoron awarding almost everything she requested. Trump was fined over $350m, and he and his eldest sons were banned from conducting business in New York for years.
“Today, justice has been served. This is a tremendous victory for this state, this nation, and for everyone who believes that we all must play by the same rules – even former presidents,” James said. She emphasized that no one is above the law, not even the mighty and affluent.
James, a stalwart in New York politics and the first Black woman to hold her current position, has always advocated for strong legal measures against corporate and political corruption. She vowed to act as a steward of justice, shedding light on the murkiest of swamps.
Persistent Pursuit of Justice
Even as Trump’s trial concludes, James is actively pursuing other high-profile cases. She has a civil case against top officials of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and another against the Catholic Church for mishandling child sexual abuse cases.
Her critics often accuse her of opportunism, using her position for personal gain. Despite facing accusations such as these during her investigation into former New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s sexual assault, James stayed focused on her pursuit of justice.
In the face of criticism, James has remained focused on her responsibilities. She told the New York Times that ignoring cases like Trump’s or the NRA’s would be a “dereliction of my duty.”
It’s currently unclear what James’s future political ambitions are, but for now, she continues to prioritize the cases in her office over personal gain.
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