Former President Trump’s legal troubles continue as his legal team has appealed a ruling from New York Judge Arthur Engoron. The judge’s decision found Trump liable for more than $350 million in damages in the civil fraud case brought against him by New York Attorney General Letitia James. With interest, the total amount Trump is currently on the hook for is just over $354 million, with post-judgment interest accruing at nearly $112,000 per day.
James’ case targeted not only Trump but also his family and the Trump Organization. Engoron ruled that Trump and the defendants were liable for “persistent and repeated fraud,” “falsifying business records,” “issuing false financial statements,” “conspiracy to falsify false financial statements,” “insurance fraud,” and “conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.”
The judge also criticized Trump’s behavior during the trial, stating that he “rarely responded to the questions asked” and “severely compromised his credibility” by refusing to answer questions directly and interjecting irrelevant speeches.
Trump’s attorney, Christopher Kise, hinted at plans for an appeal when he reacted to the decision earlier this month. He claimed that the court “ignored the law, ignored the facts, and simply signed off on the Attorney General’s political crusade against the front-running candidate for President of the United States.” Kise also argued that legal cases should be decided based on established legal principles and evidence and that during the 44 days of the trial, no witness, complaint, or victim supported the claims of fraud.
The court was also asked to consider banning Trump, his sons, and the other defendants from applying for loans in New York for five years, in addition to blocking the Trump Organization from handling any real estate business for the same period.
The ruling by Engoron in September found Trump and the Trump Organization guilty of fraud while building his real estate empire by deceiving banks, insurers, and others through overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in deals and financing.
Trump defended himself on the stand during the trial last year, claiming that Engoron had ruled against him without knowing anything about him. He also stated that the judge had called him a fraud without knowing anything about him.
The case has been ongoing for over a year, and this recent ruling is just the latest development in the investigation. It remains to be seen how Trump’s appeal will affect the outcome, or if it will have any impact on the numerous other legal battles he currently faces.
HUGE: SCOTUS grants cert in presidential immunity appeal, orders appellate court to hold issuing its mandate (ruling that denied Trump’s immunity argument) until SCOTUS decides the matter. Oral arguments in April.
What does this mean?… pic.twitter.com/Vakl1IL6VT
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) February 28, 2024
The verdict of this civil fraud case could have a significant impact on Trump’s financial and political standing, as well as his future business endeavors. The long-standing feud between Trump and James has only added fuel to the fire, with both parties making strong allegations against each other.
It is worth noting that while James’ case against Trump has been praised by some as a necessary legal course of action, others have criticized it as a politically motivated attack on the former president. Trump’s legal team has consistently argued that these investigations are part of a larger effort by his opponents to discredit him and ruin his reputation.
The fact that Leticia James is trying to liquidate Trumps business before an appeal is heard tells you, this was NEVER about JUSTICE.
I am not sure what should happen to her… but at the very least she should be disbarred in MY opinion.
She swore to uphold JUSTICE.
Liar. pic.twitter.com/1aFCVSylOb
— Denise (@Likeshesays) February 28, 2024
