Trump Appeals $454 Million New York Civil Fraud Judgment

Donald Trump's legal team has filed an appeal to the New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division to dismiss or significantly reduce a $454 million judgment in a civil fraud case. The judgment, handed down by Judge Arthur Engoron in February, concluded that Trump, along with his sons Eric and Donald Jr., and top executives of the Trump Organization, committed fraud by inflating Trump's net worth to secure better business deals. The judge ordered the defendants to pay $464 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest and temporarily banned Trump and his sons from operating any business in New York.

Trump's lawyers argue that the monetary penalty is unconstitutional and excessive, contending that much of the case should have been barred due to the statute of limitations. They also claim that no financial institutions or counterparties suffered losses and allege procedural errors by the judge. Additionally, the defense asserts that the New York Attorney General's office lacks standing to bring the lawsuit, deeming it an overreach of power. The New York Attorney General's office is expected to file its opposition next month, and the appeals court could review the case as early as September.