Former President Trump sued New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday in an attempt to stop her office's civil investigation into his business practices.

Why it matters: The lawsuit comes roughly two weeks after James requested a deposition from Trump as part of an investigation into whether the Trump Organization engaged in financial fraud by submitting false property valuations to reduce its tax burden.

• The Trump Organization also faces a similar criminal investigation from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

The big picture: Trump argues in the lawsuit that the New York attorney general's investigation, which has lasted for more than two years, is politically motivated and has violated his constitutional rights.

• Criminal charges can't be filed in civil investigations, but the Trump Organization could face a lawsuit from James' office if it finds evidence of wrongdoing.
• James' office did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

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