New York state lawyers are seeking over $370 million in penalties from Donald Trump in a civil business fraud trial, a significant increase from the pretrial figure. Trump, who is also contending with four criminal cases, could be barred from doing business in New York if the lawsuit is successful. The state alleges Trump inflated his net worth to deceive banks and insurers, while Trump denies any wrongdoing, claiming the case is politically motivated. The verdict, which will be decided by a judge without a jury, is expected by the end of the month.
New York Attorney General Tish James is seeking a $370 million fine against Donald Trump and his business empire for civil fraud, an increase from the initially proposed $250 million. The trial, which began in October, presented evidence that Trump exaggerated his asset values to secure favorable loan and insurance terms. The additional penalty is based on the financial benefits Trump allegedly gained from these actions. Trump's defense maintains that his net worth was not inflated in financial documents and that banks and insurers did not rely on those documents. The trial is concluding, with closing arguments scheduled and a ruling from Justice Arthur Engoron expected soon.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking a $370 million penalty from Donald Trump following his civil fraud trial, a figure higher than the initially estimated $250 million. The trial, which concluded last month, demonstrated Trump's unlawful gain of that amount. Trump's lawyers have contested the allegations, claiming insufficient evidence, but the trial judge, Arthur F. Engoron, has previously ruled against Trump, finding him guilty of fraud. The final ruling is expected by the end of the month, with additional requests to bar Trump from New York's real estate industry and company leadership within the state.
Three years after the January 6 Capitol riot, the U.S. justice system continues to prosecute those involved, with over 1,200 defendants charged and significant sentences handed down to key figures like Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and Proud Boys leader Erique Tarrio. As the trial of former President Donald Trump approaches, with charges including obstruction of an official proceeding, the Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of this charge. Meanwhile, investigators are still seeking over 80 violent offenders and the individual who planted pipe bombs near party headquarters. The events continue to shape the nation's legal and political landscape, with the judiciary sending clear messages about the gravity of the attack on democracy.
Former President Donald Trump's legal team is attempting to delay his federal election interference trial, arguing that special counsel Jack Smith and prosecutors should be held in contempt for continuing legal actions despite a stay in proceedings. Trump's lawyer, John Lauro, insists the trial should be postponed until 2026 and accuses prosecutors of partisan misconduct. The special counsel's office has been meeting pretrial deadlines to ensure a prompt trial if the court's stay is lifted. Trump's campaign has attacked Smith, framing Trump's actions as a duty to investigate the 2020 election, while Smith's team alleges Trump was acting in personal interest. The trial is currently scheduled for March 4, 2024, but Trump's team is seeking to extend this date.
Special Counsel Jack Smith is suggesting a range of serious crimes in the theoretical arguments against former President Donald Trump's claim of presidential immunity, including bribery, falsifying evidence, and selling nuclear secrets. These hypotheticals are part of the legal battle ahead of Trump's criminal trial in D.C., which is tentatively set to begin in March. Trump's defense argues these scenarios are not based in reality and are irrelevant to the case, which focuses on Trump's actions surrounding the 2020 election. The appellate judges are considering key issues before the trial, including the extent of presidential immunity, with oral arguments scheduled for next Tuesday.
Donald Trump's defense team is employing a multifaceted legal strategy in the federal case regarding his alleged interference in the 2020 election. Beyond seeking to delay the trial, they aim to absolve Trump of responsibility for the Capitol attack by claiming he was misled by disinformation and biased government investigations. They are requesting access to government documents and intelligence on foreign interference, suggesting that Trump acted in good faith. The defense also plans to challenge the impartiality of investigative agencies and potential trial witnesses, accusing them of political bias. Prosecutors are pushing back, seeking to preclude these defenses as irrelevant and potentially confusing to the jury. The trial's timing remains uncertain, with appeals pending on issues of presidential immunity and a gag order, potentially delaying the start date.
