FOX News legal editor Kerri Kupec Urbahn joined ‘FOX & Friends’ to discuss the latest on Trump’s civil trial in NYC and why many believe it is a ‘political witch hunt.’ New York Attorney General Letitia James was a no-show Thursday at former President Trump’s civil trial as she faces criticism for making at least five appearances at the courthouse in New York City, where the case has been unfolding since the start of November.
As the defense is expected to begin presenting its case Monday, James – the Democrat who sued Trump, his children and the Trump Organization last year, alleging that he and his company misled banks and others about the value of his assets – has been a frequent fixture at the proceedings. James was most recently photographed on Wednesday by the media who gathered at the New York State Supreme Court building in Lower Manhattan, the same day Trump’s daughter testified that she was not involved in the creation of or discussions regarding her father’s statements of financial condition, which have fallen at the center of the non-jury civil trial.
“It is so inappropriate and so highly unusual. Attorneys general do not attend trials. They just don’t,” Legal Editor Kerri Kupec Urbahn said on “Fox & Friends” that morning when asked about James’ recurring presence in the courtroom. “The fact that she is going every day – on the taxpayers’ dime – putting aside every other thing she has to do to sit there in the front row, to smile, after she campaigned on going against Donald Trump, it’s to be in the shot, to make statements to the press and just further bolsters the widespread frustration that this is a political witch hunt,” Urbahn argued.
The trial is not in session on Friday in observance of Veterans Day. However, James has been photographed making appearances at it on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week, and then on Monday and Wednesday of this week. James posted on Thursday that “Donald Trump will continue to lie and claim that he did nothing wrong. “But the truth is we already proved he committed years of financial fraud, and there are consequences for breaking the law,” the attorney general added.
In a video message posted on X on Wednesday, James said “[A]s we have shown, and as the judge has already ruled, Donald Trump and his company committed repeated fraud. I am confident that we will prevail on the rest of our case because the facts don’t lie.” Trump’s lawyers on Thursday asked the judge to make a directed verdict and end the trial, saying the attorney general’s office has not proved its case and there is no evidence of fraud, no victims, and no violations of covenants.
The trial, which has attracted significant media attention, revolves around allegations that Trump and his company misled banks and others about the value of his assets. Critics argue that the presence of New York Attorney General Letitia James in the courtroom, along with her frequent media appearances, suggest that the trial is politically motivated. While it is not common for attorneys general to attend trials, James has been a recurring presence, leading to accusations of a political witch hunt.
The defense is set to begin presenting its case on Monday, with Trump’s daughter Ivanka testifying that she was not involved in discussions about her father’s financial statements. Meanwhile, Trump’s lawyers have requested a directed verdict, claiming that the attorney general’s office has failed to prove its case and that there is no evidence of fraud or violations of covenants.
The outcome of this trial will have significant implications for both Trump and James, as it could determine whether Trump is found liable for financial fraud allegations. As the trial continues, the contentious nature and political undertones surrounding the case are likely to persist, further fueling debates surrounding the Trump administration and the actions of New York Attorney General Letitia James.
