New York appeals judge declines to pause Trump's civil fraud trial

A New York appeals judge declined Friday to halt Former President Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial, rejecting his request to postpone it as he contests a pretrial ruling that could remove some of his assets. 

“This is a massive error. It is irreparable,” Trump attorney Christopher Kise told the judge, according to the Associated Press. 

“We’re not seeking a delay. We’re seeking a fair trial,” he added. 

State Deputy Solicitor General Judy Vale referred to the defense arguments for a delay as “completely meritless” and stated that mounting the trial has been ”an enormous endeavor.”

While the case will not be delayed, enforcement of the earlier ruling will be paused until the appeal of that particular issue is complete, according to The Hill.

Last week, New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump was responsible for defrauding banks and insurers by inflating the value of his properties, which would have secured benefits such as better loan terms and cheaper insurance. 

The former president appealed the decision. 

Engoron issued the ruling as part of New York Attorney General Letitia James's fraud case against the former president. James is seeking $250 million in damages and an order barring Trump from doing business in New York, the latter of which she has already secured. Trump, for his part, considers the case a political attack and part of a broader witch hunt designed to derail his 2024 White House bid.