Donald Trump's attorneys seek to derail New York civil case by complaining about judge – USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Attorneys for Donald Trump filed a last-ditch legal complaint Thursday against a New York judge, seeking to derail a fast-approaching civil trial that could gut the former president’s business empire.
The Trump legal team asked a state appeals court to step in against Justice Arthur F. Engoron, claiming he failed to follow rulings that narrowed the allegations at the heart of the trial scheduled to begin on Oct. 2.
“It’s a rare move of aggression – particularly this close to trial,” reported The Daily Beast, which first reported the filing.
A year ago, New York State Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump and members of his family, accusing them of enriching themselves through financial fraud. If successful, the case could effectively shutter The Trump Organization.
James has also accused Trump of making frivolous legal motions in pre-trial maneuvering. She has asked the state Supreme Court to sanction the former president and others involved in the family business.
Trump, who faces up to seven criminal and civil trials as he pursues the presidency again in 2024, claims that James and others are playing politics.