# NY AG Letitia James drops the (civil) hammer {On Trump & Family} \[9/21/2022\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [September 21, 2022, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991 "2022-09-21T16:13:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 123
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2442 "2024-02-24T18:16:08Z")
> [@smithsb](#): > > > [@iiandyiiii](#): > > > > I think the idea of Putin, Musk, or some other rich benefactor paying Trump’s fines is fanciful – maybe they could find a way to slip him a few hundred thousand, even a few million, without anyone noticing… but hundreds of millions? That’s not going to just magically appear in Trump’s bank account without traceability. > > Oh you poor innocent child. One bank CEO gave him a ONE HUNDRED MILLION dollars. “But it’s a loan, he got collateral.” Right. A hundred million here, a hundred million there; it all adds up. > > Traceability? Trumpy doesn’t care. He’ll pull the same scam when this loan expires, or he’ll be dead. HE DOESN’T CARE. > > [Trump Refinances $100 Million Mortgage On Trump Tower With A Bank Headed By A Political Supporter](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacheverson/2022/03/09/trump-refinances-100-million-mortgage-on-trump-tower-with-a-bank-headed-by-a-political-supporter/?sh=4be43c6a5500) We’ll see. I’ll believe it if I see it. It’s not always gloom and doom – Trump doesn’t always win. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2443 "2024-02-24T18:23:26Z")
The AG’s office quoted an amount due including interest to 2/23/24, so I’m thinking that probably means the 30-day count starts on the date of filing, not the date of signature. Not that it makes much difference because it’s a weekend, but we should adjust our diaries - it looks like Deadline-day is one day later, Sunday 3/24/24. Amusing that it is now literally the day before the Stormy Daniels trial starts. Maybe the AG’s bailiffs will stop by the courtroom and demand that Trump empty his wallet and give them his watch. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2444 "2024-02-24T18:34:01Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > She has a casita in Santa Fe anytime she wants a break. And a tree farm in Oregon. > [@TroutMan](#): > > Is there any way he can delay payment for a year through appeals or bonds, get elected, _then_ get paid off by Putin? At that point, voters can’t do anything about foreign influence. Answered well by @Riemann. Meaning he can’t be reelected. We must stop him. (And I think we will.) > [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I’ve always liked the full ‘quote’ (apostrophes because it could be from either Chinese or Greek philosophers; as far as I know, nobody knows): ‘The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine.’ Me, too, but I heard it so often quoted in the legal community, I just assume everyone knows the full quote. I look forward to the day when his name comes off the buildings in Manhattan. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2445 "2024-02-24T18:35:23Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Me, too, but I heard it so often quoted in the legal community, I just assume everyone knows the full quote. I just like the imagery; Trump, and a couple of huge grindstones. > [@Aspenglow](#): > > I look forward to the day when his name comes off the buildings in Manhattan. Yes. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2446 "2024-02-24T19:05:01Z")
The proverb actually started out in Ancient Greek times, referring to the mills of God. It was neatly summarised by Longfellow: _Though the mills of God grind slowly;_ _Yet they grind exceeding small;_ _Though with patience He stands waiting,_ _With exactness grinds He all._ It’s been adapted by the legal community, but that’s not the origin. > **[Mills of God](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mills_of_God)** > > The proverbial expression of the mills of God grinding slowly refers to the notion of slow but certain divine retribution. > Plutarch (1st century CE) alludes to the metaphor as a then-current adage in his Moralia (De sera numinis vindicta "On the Delay of Divine Vengeance"): > Plutarch no doubt here makes reference to a hexameter by an unknown poet, cited by sceptic philosopher Sextus Empiricus (2nd century) in his Adversus Grammaticos as a popular adage: > The same expression was invoked by Cels... ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2447 "2024-02-24T19:09:16Z")
As I understand it, Trump creates Trump Casino company, which uses Trump Construction to build a new casino. Casino company sucks the profits out, doing minimal maintenance on the building and farming out most of the work. Once the costs of repairs excedes worth of the building plus expected profits, Casino company files for bankruptcy. All perfectly legal. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2448 "2024-02-24T19:21:06Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > even with good collateral, when the bank might be faced with the unenviable prospect of enforcement to take the collateral from a sitting President. Plus, there’s the question whether Trump has much collateral. How much of his properties are free and clear, and how much are already subject to mortgages and other security arrangements? As I understand it, the Axos loan for $100 million was re-financing: the previous lender wanted out, and Axos stepped in. It wasn’t that Trump had a property free and clear and decided to borrow $100 million. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2449 "2024-02-24T19:39:30Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > How much of his properties are free and clear, and how much are already subject to mortgages and other security arrangements? And of course as you’ve mentioned before, the more complex the existing financing, the more daunting the prospect of foreclosing on the collateral when he inevitable fails to repay your fifth mortgage. All the more so if he’s reelected and could claim that he cannot deal with a complex lawsuit while busy Presidenting, or could find some thin excuse to exact revenge on your business elsewhere. I think on balance I’m probably with those who think he won’t post bond, because it will be difficult and expensive and he knows if he does it makes life much easier for James and that money’s gone. He’ll force James to come after assets, and just hope that he can come up with sufficient shenanigans in _that_ process to delay until November. In the meantime, he can keep on with the schtick that “they” are stealing his stuff, and if you don’t reelect him “they” will steal your stuff too before they force you to have gay sex and mercury injections in your vegetables and listen to satanic witch Taylor Swift. And he just doesn’t have any backup plan for losing the election. Uncle Sam is paying for his meals then. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2450 "2024-02-24T21:07:05Z")
Working out a deal with Putin would be difficult, as it touches on espionage laws. Also as of last December [no President may unilaterally withdraw from NATO](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/12/16/congress-nato-exit-trump/) without 2/3 Senate approval or another law passed through Congress. That’s not an absolute bar, but it makes a deal hard to pull off. $537 million is just a staggering amount to owe, especially for a guy currently hawking $399 gold sneakers. The GoFundMe account now tops $1.1 million, but I remind everyone that: > Purpose of the Funds: We want to be clear about the intended use of the funds raised. Every dollar will be used only to cover fines related to the New York civil fraud case, its appeal, _and any related expenses._ Emphasis added. Also: > This fundraiser, therefore, is not merely about raising the “ruling” amount. It’s about making a stand. I suspect, “Making a stand”, might involve some consulting fees for the fundraiser. I’m guessing 20%. I suspect GoFundMe will pay special attention to this account, though I’m unclear how stingent they will want to be. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2451 "2024-02-24T21:36:34Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > I suspect, “Making a stand”, might involve some consulting fees for the fundraiser. I’m guessing 20%. You are far more generous than I. I would say at least 80%. This is a grift, plain and simple. Or they could go full ripoff, like some “charitable” organizations. Eg. **Scottsdale League for the Arts** Total Overhead: 98.5% Management & General Expenses: 82% Fundraising Expenses: 16.5% CEO Compensation: $78,454 ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2452 "2024-02-24T22:07:30Z")
GoFundMe has a 300 member Trust and Safety Team, as well as a history of dubious accounts, some of which are shut down. For now, GoFundMe holds the money, so that complicates the grift. Also: > **Confirmation of Acceptance** : We are currently in communication with President Donald Trump’s team to ensure that he can and will accept the funds raised. It’s crucial that we navigate this process carefully and legally, and we appreciate your patience as we work through these details. So they’re not sure how to get the funds to the State of New York. Pro-tip for donors: giving money to fundraising operations that at best less than half baked can be counterproductive. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2024, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2453 "2024-02-24T22:36:35Z")
I’m not so sure that her picture in the news puts her in extreme danger. One Black woman looks like any other Black woman to a MAGAt. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2024, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2454 "2024-02-25T00:36:36Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > they” will steal your stuff too before they force you to have gay sex and mercury injections in your vegetables and listen to satanic witch Taylor Swift. I’d prefer them to force me to have gay sex with vegetables and Taylor Swift. I’ll steal satanic witch mercury if I have to. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2024, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2455 "2024-02-25T00:52:06Z")
Edited. (Eh, never mind. It looks like the website isn’t working.) ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2024, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2456 "2024-02-25T01:01:03Z")
If anyone feels inspired to set up a DJT debt clock site, I’ll work out the math for you to make it accurate. It should be easy to code, because they seem to be just calculating simple interest, so it will just be a linear increase between major changes. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2024, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2457 "2024-02-25T01:03:19Z")
Eh, what we are talking about is this site, which I erased because it doesn’t seem to work (it always starts at the same #, then starts counting): > **[Donald Trump's Debt: Live Counter](https://trumpdebtcounter.com/)** > > Learn about the signs and symptoms of dementia and whether they apply to Donald Trump. Stay informed about the latest news and updates on this topic. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2024, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2458 "2024-02-25T04:05:44Z")
Solid explainer by the NYT. Gifted article > **[Donald J. Trump Is Racing Against Time to Find a Half-Billion Dollar Bond](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/24/nyregion/trump-fraud-trial-penalty.html?unlocked_article_code=1.YE0.e26d.FRLor4MjbWHX&smid=url-share)** > > After losing two civil trials, the former president must find a bonding company that will vouch for him — or his real estate empire is threatened. BTW, in the unlikely event that a generous donor coughed up the funds, they would be subject to gift taxes, assuming amounts over ~$14 million. > Bonds this large are typically found in cases against big companies, not individual businessmen, even wealthy ones like Mr. Trump. > “For an individual, this amount is unprecedented,” said Neil Pedersen, the owner of Pedersen & Sons, a surety bond agency in New York that is not involved in the Trump case. > Mr. Trump is also a unique defendant: He is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, and if he reclaims the White House, it could be difficult for the bonding company to collect from a sitting president, particularly one who has stiffed lenders and lawyers in the past. > “I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets it, or if he doesn’t,” Mr. Pedersen added. Echoes of Riemann’s post #2350. If Trump can’t cough up the funds (he can’t) and he can’t find an agreeable bonding company (not clear), then the action shifts to AG James who will start seizing assets: “I look at 40 Wall Street each and every day.” ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2024, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2459 "2024-02-25T06:17:01Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > I’m not so sure that her picture in the news puts her in extreme danger. One Black woman looks like any other Black woman to a MAGAt. So it puts EVERY black woman in danger? Sure, that seems a lot better. /s ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2024, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2460 "2024-02-25T06:31:12Z")
Frankly I’m surprised that neither Moses Mike, Rapey McForehead, or Margarine Failure Groane have suggested just paying his bill out of the Treasury. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2024, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/2461 "2024-02-25T06:39:34Z")
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