New York AG Letitia James dubbed 'egomaniac' as she says only women manage to hold Donald Trump accountable

Following a ruling that ordered Donald Trump to pay over $350M in penalties, Letitia James discussed the role women played in holding him accountable
UPDATED FEB 22, 2024
Attorney General Letitia James accused ex-POTUS Donald Trump of committing a 'massive amount of fraud' (Getty Images)
Attorney General Letitia James accused ex-POTUS Donald Trump of committing a 'massive amount of fraud' (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a recent interview with ABC News, New York Attorney General Letitia James reflected on the significant legal victories against former President Donald Trump.

Following a ruling that saw Trump ordered to pay over $350 million in penalties, James discussed the notable role women have played in holding Trump accountable.

Letitia James says women get things done

ABC’s Aaron Katersky questioned AG Letitia James about the trend of women leading the charge against Trump in legal battles.

“Why is it only women that have so far held him to account? Fani Willis has gotten some guilty pleas. E Jean Carroll got a huge judgment, you have the second biggest judgment in the history of New York State,” Katersky asked. “Why is it women?”

James replied, “Someone once told me, if you want something done, give it to a woman.” She subsequently posted the clip of her response on her New York State Attorney General account on X (formerly Twitter).



 

James' recent legal triumph stems from a lawsuit filed in 2022, alleging that Trump engaged in fraudulent practices related to his net worth and financial statements.

Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling, which found Trump and the Trump Organization liable for fraud, resulted in a penalty of nearly $355 million, potentially increasing to over $450 million with interest. Additionally, Trump faces a three-year ban from New York business activities.

Following the ruling, James emphasized the significance of the decision, stating that it demonstrates that no individual, regardless of wealth or power, is above the law. "If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court, and we will ask the judge to seize his assets," James told Katersky.

In response to Trump's denial of any wrongdoing and his intention to appeal, James expressed confidence in the strength of her case on appeal. She affirmed her office's readiness to pursue judicial mechanisms, including asset seizure, if Trump fails to comply with the court's orders.

"We are prepared to make sure that the judgment is paid to New Yorkers, and yes, I look at 40 Wall Street each and every day," the AG said on collecting judgments in civil cases, reported The Hill.



 

James also addressed Trump's claims regarding the impact of the case on New York's business environment.

"Financial frauds are not victimless crimes. He engaged in this massive amount of fraud. It wasn't just a simple mistake, a slight oversight, the variations are wildly exaggerated, and the extent of the fraud was staggering," she said. "If average New Yorkers went into a bank and submitted false documents, the government would throw the book at them, and the same should be true for former presidents."

She also dismissed suggestions that the case would deter business activity, pointing to the thriving tourism and Wall Street sectors in New York. "Last I checked tourism is up. Wall Street is doing just fine," said James. 

Social media backlash

However, James' comment about the effectiveness of women in getting things done drew a backlash on social media, with some criticizing it as egotistical.

"Karma is coming, and she’s a woman," one posted on X.



 

"Oh really? Open a pickle jar then," another quipped.



 

"Imagine having to be around that ego every day," someone else added.



 

"Full of herself isn't she? No respect for others. Just self. Ego maniac," a comment read.



 

"Americans on New York Attorney General Letitia James on Trump judgments: 'If you want something destroyed, give it to a woman named Letitia James.' There. Fixed it," another wrote.



 

The legal battles against Trump extend beyond New York, with cases like columnist E Jean Carroll's successful lawsuit and Fani Willis' prosecution of individuals involved in election interference in Georgia. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online. 

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