In a significant legal blow to former President Donald Trump, New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a ruling ordering Trump to pay over $350 million in damages in a civil fraud case.
The decision, delivered by New York Judge Arthur Engoron, comes after a lengthy trial, beginning in October, where James accused Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization of fraudulent business practices. Let’s delve into the details of this high-profile case.
Trump and Letitia James News
Former President Donald Trump has been dealt a significant blow in a civil fraud case brought against him, his family, and the Trump Organization by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In a ruling handed down by New York Judge Arthur Engoron, Trump has been barred from operating his business in New York for three years and has been found liable for over $350 million in damages.
Judge Engoron’s 92-page ruling outlines the charges against Trump and the defendants, including “persistent and repeated fraud,” “falsifying business records,” and “conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.”
The judge also imposed restrictions on Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, preventing them from serving as officers or directors of any New York corporation for two years.
In his scathing critique, Judge Engoron highlighted Trump’s testimony during the trial, stating, “His refusal to answer the questions directly, or in some cases, at all, severely compromised his credibility.”
Trump’s attorney, Christopher Kise, responded by slamming the decision, claiming that the court “ignored the law, ignored the facts, and simply signed off on the Attorney General’s manifestly unjust political crusade.”
Kise emphasized that Trump would appeal the decision, expressing confidence that the Appellate Division would rectify the alleged errors made by the trial court. The legal battle is far from over, with Trump’s attorney Alina Habba labeling the verdict as “a manifest injustice” and part of a “politically fueled witch hunt.”
The ruling has far-reaching consequences for Trump’s business empire. Engoron’s decision includes a “permanent” ban on defendants Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney from serving in financial roles in any New York corporation for three years. This prohibition extends to directorial roles in any New York corporation or legal entity.
New York Attorney General Letitia James Ordered Trump To Pay Over $350 million
New York Attorney General Letitia James brought the lawsuit, alleging fraudulent business practices by Trump and the Trump Organization. Throughout the trial, Trump consistently dismissed the proceedings as a “witch hunt” and accused both James and Engoron of political bias.
James had initially sought $370 million, plus 9% interest, with any awarded funds directed to the New York State Treasury. The judge’s decision, however, resulted in penalties exceeding $450 million, including interest. James hailed the ruling as a moment of accountability, stating, “Donald Trump is finally facing accountability for his lying, cheating, and staggering fraud.”
The decision could have significant implications for Trump’s political ambitions, as he is currently leading in the race for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming election. The ruling adds to the legal challenges Trump is facing, including criminal cases in New York, Florida, Washington, and Georgia.
In conclusion, the legal battles surrounding Donald Trump continue to unfold, with the recent New York civil fraud case dealing a substantial blow to the former president. As Trump and his legal team prepare for an appeal, the fallout from this decision could have lasting effects on his business and political future.