Trump legal team appeals $350 million civil fraud ruling

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Former President Donald Trump is appealing a recent New York ruling that could put a significant dent in his finances. Trump’s lawyers filed the appeal Monday after he received a penalty that could amount to more than $450 million between the judge’s ruling and interest accrued for fraudulent business practices.

Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision came earlier in February after finding Trump and his associates, including his two sons, inflated assets for decades in exchange for favorable treatment from banks and insurance companies. The judge also ruled the former president cannot run businesses in New York for three years.

New York’s Democratic Attorney General Letitia James, who brought the case, is signaling she will seize Trump’s assets if he is unable to put up the necessary cash.

In the appeal, Trump’s legal team is questioning whether the court committed errors of laws or facts, abused its discretion, or acted in excess of its jurisdiction.

The former president maintains, without basis, this case and his other criminal cases are part of a Democratic ploy to take him out of contention in the 2024 presidential election. If his appeal fails, it is likely to put a huge dent in Trump’s finances as exactly how he pays the penalty becomes clear.

Copyright 2024 Gray DC. All rights reserved.