A fraud lawsuit against Donald Trump and his family business has been temporarily halted by a judge from a New York state appeals court.
The judge’s directive for the upcoming 2 October trial in the fraud lawsuit filed by New York attorney general Letitia James was issued during a surprise virtual hearing closed to the public.
The order was issued in response to the former US president’s lawsuit against Justice Arthur Engoron, the trial judge responsible for the case.
In his lawsuit, Mr Trump accused Mr Engoron and Ms James of disregarding a court order that could limit the scope of the lawsuit, the Daily Beast reported.
A court spokesperson said Justice David Friedman from the appeals court granted a temporary suspension of the trial and referred the issue to a five-judge panel that is expected to rule during the last week of September.
Related Wisconsin Republicans fire state’s top election official following conspiracy-filled hearing Trump insists there is no ‘ritual’ to declassifying US secrets ‘at least in my opinion’ Trump severed from two co-defendants in Georgia case as he hails ‘best polls ever’ - latest
“We are confident in our case and will be ready for trial,” said Ms James in a statement in response.
Promoted stories
State of Survival
Do not play this game if you are under 30 years old!State of Survival Play Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The trial could still begin on 2 October as it remains contingent upon the decision of the appeals court, commonly referred to as the First Department.
In an emergency court filing on Thursday morning, lawyers representing the former president and his associates emphasised the need for New York’s higher courts to intervene urgently.
They are seeking the involvement of an appellate judge to initiate an “Article 78 proceeding”, which aims to compel Mr Engoron to significantly weaken the case brought forward by the attorney general.
Ms James has said there is a “mountain of evidence” indicating Mr Trump and his associates lied over a decade regarding his assets and net worth. These alleged misrepresentations, she said, may have led to an inflation of up to $3.6bn to secure more favourable loan and insurance terms.
Ms James is pursuing a $250m fine and seeking to prohibit Mr Trump and his sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, from assuming leadership positions within the Trump Organization, the family business.
The lawsuit was initiated by the attorney general in September last year after a three-year investigation.
Related Donald Trump's last-minute legal challenge could disrupt New York fraud trial Can Donald Trump still run for president after four indictments? Trump wins temporary stay to New York fraud trial after suing judge – latest
“I am determined to start the case on time,” Mr Engoron had said earlier this year.
“Come hell or high water.”
More about Letitia James New York US Donald Trump
Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
1/ 1Trump fraud trial to be temporarily halted after he sues the judge
Trump fraud trial to be temporarily halted after he sues the judge
Donald Trump speaks at the South Dakota Republican Party Monumental Leaders rally Friday, 8 September 2023, in Rapid City, South Dakota
Associated Press
CCPA Notice Promoted stories
SciatiEase
What Vitamin May Cause Immediate Relief For Sciatic Nerve?Fortunately there is a vitamin that anyone over 55 can take for sciatic nerve painSciatiEase| Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Reportingly
Laura Ingraham Is Married To This BeautyReportingly| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
New Outlander Deals
Revealed: The Gorgeous Outlander PHEV Release Is Here (& Affordable)New Outlander Deals| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
？ Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Subscribe
Already subscribed? Log in