Donald Trump is facing an ever-growing list of legal troubles that seem to be increasing dramatically.
Recently, the obvious Republican candidate for the 2024 elections, Donald Trump, filed an appeal against a damning fraud ruling that was issued against his real estate firm, the Trump Organization.
The stern judge Arthur Engoron had imposed a hefty fine of $454 million (inclusive of interest). Trump, along with his sons and top executives, were accused of inflating property values to deceive banks and insurance companies and boost Trump’s purported billion-dollar fortune.
Trump’s outspoken attorney Alina Habba argued in the appeal paperwork that the judge had committed ‘legal mistakes’ and had overstepped his authority. Throughout the trial and following the verdict, Trump had been loudly complaining about a ‘political vendetta’, a ‘biased judge’, and a ‘vindictive district attorney.’
His main challenge now is that within less than a month, the former president must either place the entire fine in an escrow account until all legal appeals are exhausted, or provide a bond with others as guarantors for the sum. This poses a financial balancing act for Trump, as he likely doesn’t have that much cash readily available in his accounts.
Prosecutor Letitia James has hinted at the possibility of seizing Trump’s New York properties to cover the fines through forced sales. She has specifically mentioned the ’40 Wall Street’ building as a potential target. Even Trump Tower is not exempt from this possibility.
Meanwhile, Trump is gearing up for his first criminal trial, which could potentially result in a jail sentence if he is found guilty. The trial is set to start on March 25 in Lower Manhattan, focusing on charges related to a hush-money payment made to his former mistress, porn star Stormy Daniels.
The prosecution, led by Alvin Bragg, aims to prevent the defendant from making defamatory comments about the trial and key individuals involved even before the proceedings begin. Bragg highlighted that Trump has a history of insulting jurors, witnesses, lawyers, and court staff, stressing the need to safeguard the ‘integrity of these legal proceedings.’
If the judge grants the motion and Trump violates it, he could potentially face imprisonment.
