Trump appeals $454M New York fraud ruling

Former President Trump on Monday appealed a judge’s decision ordering him to pay more than $450 million in the New York attorney general’s sprawling civil fraud case against his business empire.

Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision earlier this month marked a stunning legal and financial blow to the former president, barring him from serving in a leadership role in any New York business for three years and ordering independent officials to monitor Trump’s companies.

The decision followed a months-long trial after which the judge determined Trump and top executives for years conspired to alter his net worth to receive tax and insurance benefits. 

Trump’s appeal was expected because he and his lawyers have attacked the judge’s ruling as politically motivated and a “manifest injustice” for days. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

“We trust that the Appellate Division will overturn this egregious fine and take the necessary steps to restore the public faith in New York’s legal system,” Trump attorney Alina Habba said in a statement.

With Trump’s notice of appeal formally filed, the case will head to the First Judicial Department Appellate Division, where the former president will seek to get the nine-figure fine and the other penalties tossed.

The New York attorney general’s office declined to comment.

The appeal comes after Trump’s attorneys sought to delay enforcement of the $454 million sum by 30 days to “protect” the former president’s appellate rights. Engoron last week declined to do so.

“You have failed to explain, much less justify, any basis for a stay,” Engoron responded to the request. “I am confident that the Appellate Division will protect your appellate rights.”

Trump is also responsible for paying additional interest on the stunning fine if it is upheld. The clock began when Engoron entered judgment and has been climbing by tens of thousands of dollars per day.

New York Attorney Letitia James (D) has needled the former president by posting the updated amount each day on X, formerly known as Twitter.

While Engoron’s ruling won’t shutter Trump’s company, it could significantly shake up its organization and leave the namesake family business without a Trump at its helm for the first time.

Beyond the penalties against Trump, his two adult sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., are banned from serving in leadership roles in New York businesses for two years.

The judge also expanded the authority of an independent monitor to oversee the Trump Organization’s finances and imposed fines against Trump’s sons and top company executives.

Updated: 11:41 a.m.