Trump Proposes $100 Million Bond to Delay $454 Million Fraud Judgment

Donald Trump's legal team has approached a New York appellate court to request the postponement of the enforcement of a $454 million civil fraud judgment. They proposed a $100 million bond, significantly less than the full amount, due to the difficulty in securing a larger bond imposed by the verdict's conditions. The judgment resulted from a case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accused Trump of inflating his assets to deceive lenders and insurance companies. Judge Arthur Engoron, who presided over the trial, barred Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York-based company for three years and ordered the disgorgement of ill-gotten gains from the Trump Organization.

The request for a reduced bond is part of Trump's broader strategy to appeal the verdict, which his lawyers argue is exorbitant and punitive. They contend that the judgment's blanket prohibition on lending transactions is unlawful and unconstitutional. Should Trump fail to secure the stay by March 25, Attorney General James' office may proceed with the collection of the judgment, potentially resulting in the seizure of Trump's properties to raise the necessary funds. The court is expected to deliberate on the emergency hearing arguments regarding the proposed $100 million bond and stay application.