A New York judge orders Trump to pay $355 million in a civil fraud case

Former President Trump. Photo: EFE.

Judge Arthur Engoron of New York ordered former President Trump to pay more than $355 million in damages and barred him from “serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or other legal entity in New York for three years.” “, including the company of the same name.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office prosecuted the case, said that with pre-judgment interest, the fine amounts to more than $450 million, an amount that “will continue to increase every day” until the penalty is paid.

“Donald Trump finally faces accountability for his incredible lies, cheating and fraud. No matter how big, rich or powerful you are, no one is above the law,” James said in a statement, calling the ruling a “tremendous victory for this state, this nation and for everyone who believes that everything is right.” “What we have to do is win.” They follow the same rules, even former presidents.

Trump told reporters that it was punishment for “doing an exemplary job.” “In my opinion, it is a sad day for the country,” he said, describing Judge Engoron as “corrupt” and Attorney General James as “corrupt.”

This decision represents a blow to Trump's finances and personality, as he built his brand on being a successful businessman that he benefited from in his first run for the presidency.

Trump is currently running for the White House for the third time. This case is just one of many he faces, including four pending criminal trials. The first is scheduled for March 25.

During the trial, Trump and executives at his company, including his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, tried to blame accountants who compiled them for the exaggerated financial statements at the heart of the fraud case.

Letitia James and Engoron disagreed. “There is overwhelming evidence from interested and uninterested witnesses, supported by documented evidence, that the burden of truthfulness in assessments of supporting statements lies with the Trump Organization, not its accountants,” he wrote.

The judge also noted the lack of remorse on the part of Trump and his executives after the fraud was discovered. “His complete lack of repentance and remorse borders on sickness. They are only accused of inflating the value of assets to make more money. The documents prove this over and over again. This is a venial sin, not a mortal sin. The defendants did not commit murder. They did not rob a bank at gunpoint. However, The defendants are unable to admit the error they committed.”

He added: “The defendants' refusal to admit the mistake forces this court to conclude that they will commit the mistake in the future unless they are judicially apprehended.”

“We have reached the point where your political beliefs combined with where your case is heard are the primary determinants of the outcome; Not the facts of the case, Trump said. “It's really sad what happened to our country.”

Trump's lawyer, Alina Haba, described the ruling as “a clear injustice, plain and simple.” “Given the gravity of the stakes, we are confident that the Appellate Division will overturn this egregious ruling and end this continued pursuit of my client,” he said in a statement.