In a recent press conference following the conclusion of his civil fraud trial in New York, former President Donald Trump made a series of allegations and conspiracy theories. Trump targeted state prosecutors seeking over $370 million from him and his co-defendants, following a New York judge’s ruling that they were liable for repeated business fraud. He also propagated the unfounded conspiracy theory that President Joe Biden is orchestrating the civil and criminal cases against him to sabotage his presidential campaign. This article fact-checks some of Trump’s statements.
Trump’s Accusations Against Biden
Trump accused Biden of engineering his legal troubles and using law enforcement to prevent him from returning to the White House. However, this claim is false. Biden has no involvement in Trump’s legal cases, particularly the New York case, which was initiated by state investigators. The New York civil trial was opened by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, in 2019, before Biden assumed the presidency. Biden’s most direct connection to a Trump case is his appointment of Attorney General Merrick Garland, who appointed the special counsel who indicted Trump in two federal criminal cases. However, this does not imply any substantial involvement by Biden.
Trump’s Claims About James’ White House Visits
Trump cited a report from right-wing conspiracy site, Gateway Pundit, alleging that James had inappropriate meetings with Biden at the White House while she was pursuing Trump in state court. This claim is misleading. While James did visit the White House three times after filing the fraud suit against Trump, she attended in her official capacity and there is no public evidence that she personally met with Biden or discussed the Trump investigations.
Trump’s Accusations About the Fraud Law
Trump accused James’s office of misusing a New York fraud law to target him and his companies. However, this claim is false. The law has been used before, even against Trump University years ago.
Trump’s Right to a Jury Trial
Trump claimed that his legal rights were violated, including being denied the right to a jury. However, this needs context. New York prosecutors used a civil fraud law that doesn’t guarantee a right to a jury trial, but Trump’s lawyers didn’t press the issue at the beginning of the case, resulting in a bench trial.
Trump’s Claims About the NY AG’s Partisanship
Trump claimed that James brought the lawsuit because she promised to investigate him during her 2018 campaign for New York’s attorney general. While it’s true that James campaigned on a pledge to go after Trump, it should be noted that James hasn’t exclusively targeted Trump or his fellow Republicans.
Trump’s Claims About ExxonMobil’s Move to Texas
Trump blamed James’ litigiousness for ExxonMobil’s relocation from New York to Texas. However, this claim is false. James’ office did sue ExxonMobil, but that didn’t prompt its move to Texas, which occurred in 1989.
This story has been updated with additional details.