In a significant legal development, Justice Arthur Engoron has rendered his decision in the New York civil fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump, his company, and associates. The verdict imposes hefty penalties, totaling $355 million in fines, with an additional interest amounting to $463.9 million. Additionally, the ruling includes a three-year prohibition on conducting business in the state for the implicated parties.
The judgment follows earlier findings by the judge, who determined that Mr. Trump had artificially inflated his wealth on financial documents submitted to banks and insurers, a tactic aimed at securing favorable loans and facilitating business deals.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, the driving force behind the legal action, initially sought disgorgement totaling $370 million from the entities involved.
In a separate legal proceeding in the Big Apple, Judge Juan Merchan dismissed Mr. Trump’s attempt to have a case brought against him by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg thrown out. This case alleges that the former president falsified business records to conceal a payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels as part of a “hush money” agreement. The trial date for this matter has been scheduled for March 25.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis found herself on the witness stand, defending her position and that of her former boyfriend, Nathan Wade, against a motion seeking their disqualification from prosecuting a sprawling racketeering case. This case implicates Mr. Trump and others over their alleged involvement in efforts to interfere with the 2020 election in the Peach State.
