In a major legal blow to former President Donald Trump, a New York judge has ordered him to pay a whopping $454 million, including interest, after he, along with his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were found liable for fraud in a civil case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling has left the Trump Organization facing leadership challenges as Trump himself campaigns for the Republican nomination. The Trumps have been given one month to post the almost half a billion dollars to appeal the fraud verdict, with the sons also ordered to pay back $4 million in gains received because of the fraud.
Despite the staggering judgment, Trump has vowed to appeal and has even sought a delay in the execution of a judgment in another defamation case brought by E. Jean Carroll. In that case, Trump’s lawyer argues that the $83.3 million judgment is excessive and has requested a stay of judgment.
With a combined tab of nearly $550 million in both civil cases, Trump’s lawyer has argued that he should not need a bond due to his financial resources. However, the legal battles are far from over for the former president.
The story has been updated with additional developments, including contributions to the report from Kaanita Iyer from CNN. Stay tuned to ‘The Puck Drop’ for further updates on this ongoing legal saga involving Donald Trump and his family.
