New York Attorney General Letitia James has requested the Supreme Court to reject Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s attempt to intervene in former President Donald Trump’s court case. Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, a charge that typically is a misdemeanor in New York but was elevated due to the circumstances. Missouri’s appeal sought to pause Trump’s sentencing and lift the gag order that prohibits him from discussing the case, arguing that it restricts Missouri voters from hearing a presidential candidate’s speech.
James countered Missouri’s argument in a 48-page filing, asserting that the state lacks a legal basis to seek intervention from the Supreme Court. She stated, “Allowing Missouri to file this suit for such relief against New York would permit an extraordinary and dangerous end-run around former President Trump’s ongoing state court proceedings and the statutory limitations on this Court’s jurisdiction to review state court decisions.”
James emphasized that Missouri’s request undermines the integrity of the courts and could set a dangerous precedent that encourages similar, meritless litigation. She also argued that any relief should come from New York courts, not the Supreme Court. Additionally, she contended that Missouri does not have the standing required to bring the complaint forward, claiming, “The potential sentence and speech restrictions may prove no obstacle to the interests of people who wish to hear from former President Trump.”
James concluded that Missouri’s request was simply an attempt to further Trump’s individual interests rather than a genuine concern for its citizens. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for September 18, following a postponement due to a Supreme Court ruling on immunity issues.
