A New York judge, Arthur Engoron, has delivered a significant blow to former President Donald Trump, ruling that he must pay more than $354 million in damages due to civil fraud charges and imposing a three-year ban on conducting real estate business in the state.
This long-awaited verdict in the civil fraud trial against Trump and the Trump Organization also affects Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., who have been barred from New York business activities for two years each and ordered to pay $4 million each.
The judge fined Allen Weisselberg, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Trump Organization, $1 million.
Trump vehemently criticized Judge Engoron’s decision, characterizing it as “election interference” and an “abuse of power.” He labeled the verdict a “sham,” asserting that there were no actual victims or damages, only satisfied financial institutions. Trump vowed to appeal the ruling, which, with accrued interest, could surpass $450 million.
Donald Trump (Credits: NBC News)
In response to the verdict, Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, condemned the ruling as a “witch hunt” orchestrated against Trump even before Letitia James assumed office as New York’s Attorney General. Habba argued that the verdict was unjust and the outcome of a politically motivated agenda.
Meanwhile, Letitia James hailed the verdict as a “massive victory” and emphasized the importance of accountability for everyone, regardless of their stature or influence.
Throughout the trial, Trump maintained that his financial disclosures were conservative and accused Letitia James of pursuing a politically motivated vendetta against him.
This legal setback adds to a series of challenges Trump has faced, including a defamation case filed by writer E. Jean Carroll, which resulted in an $83.3 million judgment against him. Furthermore, Trump is scheduled to stand trial on March 25 for 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records concerning hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, a former adult film star.
As Trump navigates these legal battles, he continues his political ambitions, aiming to reclaim the White House from Joe Biden in the upcoming November election.
