Donald Trump appeals $454 million judgment in New York civil fraud case

Donald Trump appeals $454 million New York civil fraud judgment, challenging judge's ruling on wealth deception.

Donald Trump has appealed his $454 million New York civil fraud judegment, challenging a judge’s finding that he lied about his wealth as he grew the real estate empire that launched him to stardom and the presidency.

The former president’s lawyers filed notices of appeal February 26 asking the State’s mid-level appeals court to overturn Judge Arthur Engoron’s February 16 verdict in Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit and reverse staggering penalties that threaten to wipe out Mr. Trump’s cash reserves.

Mr. Trump’s lawyers wrote in court papers that they are asking the appeals court to decide whether Judge Engoron “committed errors of law and/or fact” and whether he abused his discretion or “acted in excess” of his jurisdiction. Mr. Trump’s appeal won’t automatically halt enforcement of the judgment.

The Republican presidential front-runner has until March 25 to secure what’s known as a stay, a legal mechanism pausing collection while he appeals. He would receive an automatic stay if he puts up money, assets or an appeal bond covering what he owes. His lawyers could also ask the appeals court to grant a stay without obtaining a bond or with a bond for a lower amount. They did not immediately respond to a reporter’s questions asking if he had posted an appeal bond or if he was in the process of securing one.

In a statement issued through a spokesperson, Mr. Trump’s lawyer Alina Habba addressed only the appeal itself, saying: “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.”

Messages seeking comment were left with the New York attorney general’s office and a spokesperson for the state’s court system.

Mr. Engoron found that Mr. Trump, his company and top executives, including his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr., schemed for years to deceive banks and insurers by inflating his wealth on financial statements used to secure loans and make deals. Among other penalties, the judge put strict limitations on the ability of Mr. Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, to do business.