A state appeals court has dismissed a $250 million lawsuit against Ivanka Trump by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit alleged business fraud during Ivanka Trump’s tenure at the Trump Organization.
The five-judge appellate panel ruled that the claims AG James brought against the former president’s daughter fell outside the state’s statute of limitations. The panel also ruled that the more recent allegations of wrongdoing occurred after Ivanka had transitioned from the family business to a role in her father’s White House administration.
The court ruling stated that the allegations against Ivanka did not support any claims after February 6, 2016 and that they should have been dismissed. The court further explained that AG James could not pursue claims that arose before July 13, 2014, or after February 6, 2016, depending on the defendant.
The lawsuit, filed in September 2022, named the Trump Organization, former President Donald Trump, and three of his children: Ivanka, Donald Jr., and Eric as defendants. James’ suit alleged that they misled banks, insurance companies, and others regarding the value of Trump’s assets, which include golf courses and Mar-a-Lago. The attorney general sought $250 million in damages and a prohibition on the Trump family conducting business in New York.
While the lawsuit will proceed against the other defendants, the court suggested that the case could be further limited. A spokesperson for the Trump family heralded the court’s decision as the first step in ending a case that they believe should never have been filed, adding that the appropriate application of the law would rein in the attorney general’s previously unrestricted reach.
James’ office responded by asserting the existence of substantial evidence pointing to fraudulent valuation and misrepresentation of assets by Trump and the Trump Organization. They pledged to hold the former president accountable for the alleged fraud. The ex-president has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the case as politically motivated. The trial is set to begin on October 2.