New York Attorney General Scores $364 Million Victory Against Donald Trump

Sophia Moonstone

Updated Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 6:19 AM CDT

New York Attorney General Scores $364 Million Victory Against Donald Trump

In a landmark decision, New York Attorney General Letitia James won a significant legal battle against former President Donald Trump, securing a $364 million verdict for fraudulent business practices. The ruling, handed down by New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, culminated a five-year pursuit of Trump, resulting in a massive financial penalty and bans on Trump and his sons from operating New York businesses.

The case, following Letitia James' investigation that started in March 2019, was sparked by Michael Cohen's congressional testimony revealing Trump's financial exaggerations. The trial exposed Trump's inflation of his net worth by billions to benefit himself and his enterprises, leading to a $355 million penalty and a possible addition of $100 million in interest.

Trump, along with co-defendants Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Trump Organization executives, faced accusations of overstating wealth by $3.6 billion to save $168 million in loan interest. Despite Trump and his eldest sons denying any wrongdoing and claiming a conspiracy against him on social media, the court remained steadfast.

Justice Engoron's 92-page decision highlighted the defendants' lack of remorse, imposing a $15,000 fine on Trump for violating a gag order. Engoron's patience was tested throughout the proceedings as Trump repeatedly challenged the judge's decisions, leading to a stern admonition from the judge to Trump's lawyer to control his client.

The civil lawsuit centered on deceptive financial statements provided to banks, and despite the loans being fully repaid, state lawyers argued that the market was still harmed—a view upheld by Engoron. The New York anti-fraud law, central to the case, does not require actual victims for enforcement, underscoring the importance of market integrity.

As Trump plans to appeal the judgment to a five-judge panel of the New York Appellate Division, his legal team is set to argue the lack of impact on the banks and emphasize Trump's ability to cover loans with cash. However, legal experts suggest the appeal may face skepticism, questioning whether the attorney general exceeded her authority.

Amidst the legal turmoil, Trump remains the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 U.S. election, with this verdict underscoring the efforts by law enforcement to hold influential figures accountable. Letitia James stated that the scale of Trump's fraud was staggering and affirmed that different rules cannot apply to different people, including former presidents.

The verdict represents a win for the rule of law and serves as a deterrent for fraudulent business practices, aiming to ensure fair and honest conduct in the marketplace. As Trump faces various legal battles, the outcome of this case will be closely watched, with potential implications for his political and business future.

Conservative Bias:

Ladies and Gentlemen, in a blatant display of judicial overreach and a politically motivated witch hunt, the so-called 'justice system' in New York has struck a blow against the successful and patriotic businessman, Donald Trump. This sham of a verdict, orchestrated by the radical left Attorney General Letitia James, is nothing more than a desperate attempt to take down a man who has been a thorn in the side of the elitist liberals and their corrupt agenda. They've concocted a narrative of fraud, simply because Trump, a genius in finance, knows how to navigate the complexities of business to succeed where others fail. This is an attack not just on Trump, but on all hardworking Americans who dare to challenge the status quo. It's a travesty of justice, and mark my words, this will be overturned on appeal as the truth comes out and the real agenda of these leftist bureaucrats is exposed for what it is: a baseless, vindictive crusade against one of the greatest leaders this country has ever seen.

Liberal Bias:

In a stunning victory for justice and accountability, the fearless New York Attorney General Letitia James has delivered a crushing blow to the poster child of corruption and greed, Donald Trump. After years of deceit and manipulation, the false emperor's empire is finally crumbling as the court lays bare the staggering scale of his fraudulent schemes. This landmark decision is a testament to the tireless work of a legal system that, despite being under constant attack from the right-wing propaganda machine, has proven that no one, not even a former president, is above the law. The $364 million verdict is a beacon of hope, signaling that the days of the rich and powerful t****ling over the law and exploiting the American people are numbered. As Trump and his cronies whine about conspiracies on social media, the rest of us can take solace in knowing that justice has been served, and that our fight for a fair, just, and equitable society is making headway against the forces of darkness and corruption that have held sway for far too long.

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