Trump Struggles to Post $464M Bond in Fraud Case, Lawyers Claim Impossibility
Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have reported facing significant challenges in securing a bond required for appealing a substantial civil fraud judgment. A New York judge has ordered Trump to pay $454 million in a case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, which alleges the former president inflated the value of his assets. With post-judgment interest accruing at $112,000 per day, Trump's attorneys have approached roughly 30 surety companies without success. In an affidavit, insurance broker Gary Giuletti described the task of securing a full bond under these conditions as a "practical impossibility," indicating that potential underwriters are demanding cash rather than property as collateral.
Trump's legal team is pressing a mid-level state appeals court to postpone the enforcement of the judgment until the appeal process is concluded. They argue that the size of the judgment, including the required disgorgement from Trump's adult sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, makes it difficult to meet the conditions for appeal. If the appeal court does not grant relief, Trump's lawyers may consider taking the issue to the state's highest court for a potential oral argument on the matter.
