In a significant development, a New York judge has ruled in the state’s civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, ordering him to pay a hefty penalty exceeding $350 million and imposing a three-year ban on doing business in New York State. The verdict also extends to Trump’s sons, who are banned from conducting business in the state for two years.
The ruling stems from allegations that Trump inflated his assets to secure more favorable loans from banks, a claim he vehemently denies, attributing the lawsuit to political motivations by the Democratic New York attorney general, Letitia James.
In addition to the financial penalty and business bans, the judge’s decision signals a major setback for Trump, who is expected to appeal the ruling. Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Alina Habba, has strongly criticized the verdict, denouncing it as a “manifest injustice” and the culmination of a politically charged witch hunt.
The judge’s order not only imposes financial consequences but also restricts Trump’s and his sons’ business activities in the state, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the civil fraud case. As Trump plans to appeal, the legal battle is likely to continue, with potential pauses on the restrictions during the appellate process.
The New York attorney general, Letitia James, accused Trump of fraudulent practices, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about accountability for public figures and the intersection of legal proceedings with political motivations.
