Former President Donald Trump has launched an appeal against the $454 million civil fraud judgment in New York, contesting Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling that accused him of inflating his wealth to bolster his real estate empire.
Trump’s legal team filed notices of appeal on Monday, February 26, urging the state’s mid-level appeals court to overturn Engoron’s verdict issued on February 16 in a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. They seek to reverse the substantial penalties imposed on Trump, which pose a significant threat to his financial reserves.
In the appeal documents, Trump’s lawyers questioned whether Engoron made errors of law or fact, abused his discretion, or exceeded his jurisdiction. Notably, the paperwork did not address whether Trump intended to halt collection of the judgment while appealing by providing funds, assets, or an appeal bond.
Engoron’s ruling found Trump, his company, and top executives guilty of deceiving banks and insurers by inflating his wealth on financial statements used for loans and deals. The judgment included severe restrictions on Trump Organization’s operations in New York.
Trump’s appeal prolongs the legal battle over his business practices, coinciding with his efforts to secure the Republican presidential nomination. If upheld, Engoron’s ruling would entail significant financial repercussions for Trump, with the penalties amounting to nearly $454 million with accruing interest.
Anticipatedly, Trump’s legal team has argued against Engoron’s handling of the trial, alleging bias and procedural missteps. They have contested the applicability of the consumer-protection statute invoked by James, asserting that certain allegations are time-barred.
