New York officials are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, which seeks to block former President Donald Trump’s criminal sentence and lift his gag order.
In a 48-page response to the lawsuit, New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office argued that Missouri’s claims are “patently meritless” and lack any legal basis. James contended that the lawsuit is an attempt to intervene in an ongoing criminal case between the Manhattan District Attorney and Trump, and that it does not present a legitimate controversy between two states.
Bailey’s lawsuit, filed earlier this month, claims that New York’s actions have infringed upon the constitutional rights of Missouri voters and electors. However, James argued that Trump has already raised similar issues in New York state courts, and that Missouri’s claims are “speculative” and lack standing.
James also argued that allowing Missouri to pursue this lawsuit would set a “dangerous precedent” that could encourage similar frivolous litigation. She emphasized that the matter should be resolved in New York courts, rather than the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, James pointed out that Trump is currently challenging his conviction and is likely to appeal his sentence, which would render Missouri’s lawsuit moot. “If Trump’s motion to vacate the jury verdict is successful, it would obviate his sentencing,” James’s response reads. “Even if the motion is denied, he can appeal his conviction, and his sentence may well be stayed pending appeal.”
Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He has denied the affair and has vowed to appeal the conviction.
