New York Attorney General Letitia James has petitioned the Supreme Court to reject a request from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to intervene in the legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump. Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records. Bailey’s appeal aimed to pause Trump’s sentencing, scheduled for September 18, and lift the gag order preventing Trump from discussing the case publicly. Bailey argued that New York’s actions violated Missouri voters’ rights by restricting them from hearing from a presidential candidate.

In a comprehensive 48-page filing, James argued that Missouri lacks a legal basis for the Supreme Court’s intervention. She warned that allowing Missouri’s request would undermine judicial integrity and set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to a flood of similar, unmeritorious litigation. James 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 further contended that any relief should be sought through New York courts and not the Supreme Court. She also challenged Missouri’s standing to bring the complaint, arguing that the potential sentence and speech restrictions on Trump do not significantly impact Missouri voters’ rights to hear from him. James described Missouri’s appeal as an attempt to advance Trump’s personal interests rather than a legitimate state concern.

The filing underscores the complex legal and political battles surrounding Trump’s convictions and the broader implications for state versus federal judicial authority. As the Supreme Court considers the petition, the case continues to draw significant public and political attention.