As the civil business fraud lawsuit against former President Donald Trump gains momentum, lead attorney Alina Habba has disclosed a strategic approach to the trial, revealing Trump’s intention to be selective in his participation.
In an exclusive statement to Newsmax, Habba emphasized Trump’s commitment to the trial, stating that he plans to be “in and out as he sees fit.” Underlining the significance of the case, she pointed out that the Trump Organization represents a substantial aspect of his life post-presidency.
Habba, representing Trump against the charges brought by New York’s Democrat Attorney General Letitia James, accused James of pursuing the lawsuit for political gains. She alleged that James campaigned with the explicit goal of targeting Donald Trump in 2018, framing the litigation as part of a broader political agenda.
Addressing the specific allegations, Habba contended that there was no injured party, loans in question were repaid, and all parties involved profited. Furthermore, she raised concerns about the court’s strategy, pointing to the expiration of statute limitations dating back to 2011 and suggested that outdated claims were being considered.
Regarding the defense’s strategy, Habba, while refraining from commenting on privileged conversations, highlighted that the appellate division clarified statute limitations in June. Expressing concern that the court might be disregarding these limitations, she reiterated objections from the defense.
Habba stressed the preparedness of Trump’s legal team for the upcoming litigation, stating, “We’re prepared. From here we actually get to litigate the case, which as an attorney I look forward to, and I know our legal team does as well, to get to take our own turn at looking at all of the information and our own turn to put our side out.”
The civil fraud charges against Trump stem from a September ruling by Judge Arthur Engoron, which found Trump and the Trump Organization liable for fraud. The lawsuit seeks $250 million in damages and a ban on Trump and his two sons conducting business in New York.
In response to concerns about protecting Trump’s wealth during the trial, Judge Engoron has demanded full disclosure of the defendants’ current ownership and third-party interests in their various businesses. The court-appointed monitor, former federal Judge Barbara Jones, has requested comprehensive financial disclosures from Trump, his sons, former CFO Allen Weisselberg, and Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney within one week.
The ongoing legal proceedings, encompassing civil liability and financial scrutiny, compound the legal challenges Trump faces post-presidency. The outcome of this trial holds the potential to significantly impact Trump’s financial standing and business interests.
