Former President Trump Ordered to Pay Over $364 Million in Civil Fraud Case
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, along with his lawyers Christopher Kise and Alina Habba, attended the closing arguments in the Trump Organization civil fraud trial in New York City. Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision orders Trump and his associates to pay a total of over $364 million in a civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Details of the Judgment
The bulk of the amount, nearly $355 million, is to be paid by Trump and his flagship organization. Additionally, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are each liable for $4 million, while Allen Weisselberg is liable for $1 million. With interest, the total amount exceeds $450 million. Judge Engoron criticized the defendants for their lack of remorse and ordered restrictions on their business activities in New York.
Impact on Trump’s Political Future
The ruling comes at a critical time for Trump, who faces multiple legal challenges. Despite the charges, Trump’s popularity remains strong among his base, potentially setting the stage for a rematch with President Joe Biden. The lawsuit alleges that Trump and his organization inflated asset values to secure better deals, leading to the civil fraud case.
Testimonies and Legal Arguments
Throughout the trial, witnesses, including former Trump allies Michael Cohen and Allen Weisselberg, testified about the valuation process and their involvement in the Trump Organization. Trump and his sons maintained that they were not directly involved in creating the fraudulent financial statements. The legal teams debated whether the valuations of Trump properties were deliberately inflated.
Future Legal Proceedings
Trump is expected to appeal the judgment, as he has done in previous cases. It may take years before any financial penalties are enforced. The ruling limits Trump and his co-defendants’ business activities in New York, marking a significant legal setback for the former president.