Donald Trump didn’t hold back his criticism toward New York Attorney General Letitia James and Judge Arthur Engoron on Monday, responding vehemently in all-caps to the final ruling in his civil fraud trial in New York.
The lawsuit, initiated in September 2022, alleged that Trump, along with his adult sons Donald Jr. and Eric, The Trump Organization, and executives Allen Weisselberg and Jeff McConney, fraudulently inflated asset values to secure more favorable bank loans and tax arrangements.
In a recent ruling, Judge Engoron imposed a fine of approximately $355 million on Trump and barred him from conducting business in New York for three years following a lengthy trial spanning from late last year into early January.
Engoron’s decision was based on findings that Trump had committed fraud by inflating asset values. Other defendants in the case also faced financial penalties and business restrictions in New York.
Donald Trump (Credits: New York Daily News)
Despite being the frontrunner for the GOP in the 2024 presidential election, Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the case, labeling it as politically motivated.
In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump lambasted the ruling, referring to James as a “slob” and Engoron as “corrupt.” He asserted that his financial statements were “understated, not overstated.”
Trump’s remarks were accompanied by an assertion that the ruling aligned with a “fake narrative” orchestrated by a corrupt judge and a politically motivated attorney general, suggesting coordination with the White House. He likened the situation to other legal challenges he’s faced, framing them as attacks orchestrated by political opponents.
Furthermore, Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, indicated plans to appeal the ruling, expressing confidence in the appellate division to rectify what he characterized as numerous errors by the trial court.
In contrast, James hailed the ruling as a significant victory, emphasizing the principle that no one, regardless of wealth or power, is above the law.
Trump’s criticism of James isn’t new. He previously shared a video featuring her statements about challenging him, accusing her of being a “lunatic” and alleging collusion with President Biden and the Department of Justice (DOJ). However, it’s important to note that Biden and the DOJ have no involvement in James’ civil case against Trump.
