Welp, Donald Trump may need to put a pause on his presidential campaign as he now has to deal with something that’s a little more urgent…
In a scathing new ruling, Judge Arthur Engoron has ordered former President Donald Trump and his companies to pay nearly $355 million in damages in a New York civil fraud case. The judge also barred Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or legal entity for three years.
This latest blow comes after Trump and the Trump Organization were found liable for financial fraud, following a contentious lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump, however, is expected to appeal the rulings, indicating a protracted legal battle ahead.
More On His Legal Issues:
The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Letitia James in September 2022, accused Donald Trump, his adult children, and several associates of committing widespread fraud through his real estate empire. Judge Engoron had already ruled last year that Trump was liable for fraud, with the subsequent trial focusing on determining the appropriate punishment.
The recent ruling not only demands a substantial payment of $355 million in damages but also prohibits Trump from holding any officer or director positions in New York corporations or legal entities for three years. This decision adds to Trump’s mounting legal troubles, as he was recently ordered to pay over $83 million in defamation-related damages to E. Jean Carroll, whom he sexually assaulted in the 1990s. With the latest ruling, Trump now faces a total of over $400 million in civil litigation penalties.
The financial burden of these civil litigation penalties, combined with the costs of legal representation for Trump’s criminal prosecutions and other matters, has led to skyrocketing legal bills and a significant drain on Trump’s campaign to retake the White House. The weight of these legal battles could have far-reaching consequences for Trump’s business empire and his future political aspirations.
Trump’s Legal Strategy:
Trump’s legal team is preparing for a protracted legal battle, expecting the appeals process in the New York civil fraud case to potentially last for years. Despite the unfavorable ruling, sources close to Trump indicate that he remains optimistic about his chances on appeal. Trump’s legal team has operated under the assumption that defeat in the trial was inevitable, focusing on building a case for appeal as their primary strategy.
The recent ruling in the New York civil fraud case has dealt a significant blow to Donald Trump and his business empire. With a substantial financial penalty and a three-year ban on holding officer or director positions in New York corporations, Trump faces mounting legal challenges. As he prepares for a lengthy appeals process, the outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for Trump’s future political ambitions and the survival of his business empire.