Trump’s Legal Team Fights Back: Questioning Evidence in New York Civil Suit

President Donald Trump’s legal team is actively seeking clarity on a crucial aspect of the civil suit that initially threatened him with a $464 million charge. In a letter submitted to the New York Supreme Court, Trump’s lawyers emphasize their demand for more detail on Attorney General Letitia James’s compliance with a court mandate about ‘preservation practices’ and related efforts.

Trump’s attorneys argue that the case, currently under reconsideration, is marred by errors. They suspect that James might possess crucial evidence, possibly stemming from communications with Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, which has not been disclosed.

Cohen’s Allegations in Focus

Michael Cohen, once Trump’s lawyer, recently shared claims in a Substack article dated January 16, 2026. He alleged experiencing pressure during meetings with James’s legal team to provide information that aligned with efforts to build a case against Trump.

Cohen was a central witness in the lawsuit, testifying that Trump regularly misrepresented his property’s value and specified target net-worth figures. Despite a judge’s denial for further discovery—where parties share relevant case info—a requirement was placed on James to outline her methods for preserving and maintaining data.

Trump’s legal representatives maintain that James has not complied. They criticize the New York Attorney General’s Office for not clearly confirming the existence or preservation of requested materials.

The Origins of the Suit

The lawsuit, initiated by James in 2022, accused Trump of exaggerating property values to a fraudulent degree. Post-verdict, Trump faced a $355 million disgorgement alongside interest. He was prohibited from seeking loans from New York banks and serving as a director or officer in New York companies for a specified period.

An appeals court later set aside the financial penalties, but James pursued their reinstatement. Trump insists that the case is fundamentally flawed and should be dismissed completely.

Challenging the Legal Grounds

Trump’s attorneys recently raised five key objections regarding the suit. They argue James lacked authority, as the case revolves around private transactions rather than public harm. Further, Trump’s valuation methods were not deceptive but subjective, with lenders independently assessing them.

They assert that any perceived ‘victims’ are sophisticated banks and insurance entities that profited over $100 million from dealings with Trump. The prosecution’s assumption of overvaluation relies on the incorrect notion that real estate holds a singular objective value.

Trump’s legal team contends that the financial penalties, including the $450 million disgorgement, are excessive, unlawful, and unconstitutional. Additionally, they argue that the political nature of the proceedings should have halted case consideration.

James’s office insists they’ve met disclosure obligations in response to inquiries, maintaining that details about preservation practices have been adequately provided.