President Donald Trump’s legal team is pressing for clarity on a critical issue in a civil case that nearly cost him $464 million. In a communication filed with the New York Supreme Court, Trump’s lawyers claim that Letitia James has not adhered to a court directive requiring her to disclose ‘the preservation practices’ and ‘its preservation efforts.’ This request is part of their argument that the ongoing case, currently under review, contains significant flaws.
Trump’s attorneys suspect that James possesses vital evidence that has not been shared, specifically communications with Michael Cohen, a previous attorney for Trump.
Deleted email details alleged Trump-targeting push inside Letitia James’ office: ‘Find and pursue crimes’
Michael Cohen, formerly Trump’s lawyer, has been a significant figure in the civil proceedings. During the trial, he supported claims that Trump often misrepresented property values and testified that Trump provided specific net-worth targets to achieve.
A judge denied additional information discovery but mandated that James outline how she preserves and maintains information. Trump’s legal representatives argue that James has not fulfilled this requirement.
They assert that the New York Attorney General’s Office has been vague about the existence and preservation status of requested materials, writing, ‘[New York Attorney General’s Office] also carefully avoids representing one way or the other whether any requested materials in fact exist.’ Instead, standard procedures were cited as ongoing since the investigation began.
This exchange is the latest in the civil lawsuit James initiated against Trump in 2022, accusing him of consistently inflating property values fraudulently. Trump was initially ordered to pay $355 million, excluding interest, and faced a three-year prohibition on applying for loans from New York banks.
Although an appeals court later overturned financial penalties, James seeks their reinstatement. Trump’s defense argues that the case is fundamentally flawed and invalid. Earlier, Trump’s lawyers highlighted five main objections, questioning James’ authority to file the suit, as it pertains to private dealings rather than public harm. They assert that Trump’s property valuations were subjective estimates that lenders assessed independently.
The appeal argues that the prosecution’s theory on overvaluation suggests misrepresentations, a premise they believe is flawed as real estate values are not singular. They note that banks benefited from transactions with Trump, making over $100 million.
The legal team also claims the imposed penalty of $450 million is unjust and unconstitutional. They argue the case’s political nature warranted stopping its consideration.
James’ office referenced its response to Fox News Digital, asserting it met disclosure obligations. The office opposes demands for specific preservation efforts, maintaining that its practices comply with court orders.
Leo Briceno, a political reporter for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. He previously worked with World Magazine.