Donald Trump Fraud Case: New York Judge Orders the Former President To Pay $355M

In a significant legal blow, a New York judge has ruled that Donald Trump, along with his eldest sons and associates, must pay $355 million after being found guilty of intentional financial fraud spanning a decade, according to The Guardian.

The decision, delivered by Judge Arthur Engoron, has far-reaching consequences for the former president and his associates.

Judge Engoron, in his decision, expressed shock at the "frauds" committed by the defendants, barring Trump and two executives from serving as officers or directors of any New York corporation or entity for three years.

Trump's sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr. received a two-year ban.

The ruling for Trump financial fraud case comes as a devastating setback for the former president, known for his success in real estate development.

Donald Trump's Response and Credibility Compromised

Following the ruling, Donald Trump announced plans to appeal, expressing confidence in a successful outcome, per NBC News.

However, the judge's scathing remarks about Trump's conduct during the three-month hearing have raised concerns about the former president's credibility.

During the Donald Trump fraud case trial, the former president's refusal to answer questions directly and tendency to interject irrelevant speeches compromised his credibility.

"Overall, Donald Trump rarely responded to the questions asked, severely compromising his credibility," Judge Engoron noted.

The decision also highlighted the defendants' lack of contrition and remorse, bordering on pathological.

In a public statement at Mar-a-Lago, Trump dismissed the ruling as a "fine of 350 million for doing a perfect job" and continued to attack the judge and attorney general.

Trump's legal challenges are not limited to this case, as he faces four separate pending criminal trials, the first scheduled to begin on March 25.

Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to denounce the ruling as "illegal" and "unAmerican."

He called the decision a "complete and total sham."

During the Donald Trump fraud case trial, he and his company executives attempted to shift blame to accountants, but Engoron dismissed these claims, stating that evidence pointed to the Trump Organization's responsibility for truthful financial data.

As legal battles continue, the consequences of this ruling extend beyond financial penalties, affecting Trump's political persona and the future of the Trump Organization.

The appointment of an Independent Monitor and the installation of an Independent Director of Compliance further underscore the severity of the judge's decision.

Financial and Operational Implications

The judge's decision not only impacts Donald Trump's personal finances but also raises questions about the future of the Trump Organization, POLITICO noted.

With interest, the total penalties in the civil fraud case alone could surpass $450 million, putting financial strain on Trump.

Engoron imposed measures affecting the Trump Organization's operations, banning Eric and Donald Trump Jr. from running New York companies for two years and fining them over $4 million each.

A court-appointed monitor will oversee the company for another three years, requiring approval for any financial disclosure to third parties.

Former Trump Organization executive Allen Weisselberg was also fined $1 million.

It remains uncertain if Donald Trump has the liquid assets to cover the penalties without selling assets.

The financial and operational ramifications of the ruling may reshape the landscape of the Trump family business.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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