A New York appellate judge has denied a request from former President Donald Trump to delay the payment of his $454 million civil fraud penalty, requiring him to post the full amount as a bond during the appeals process.
According to Judge Arthur Engoron’s verdict in the initial trial, former President Trump is guilty of overstating his net worth in order to secure more favorable loans from state banks. New York Attorney General Letitia James alleged that “the variations were wildly exaggerated and the extent of the fraud was staggering,” leaving Trump on the hook for $354.8 million, which increased to $454 million with interest. Former President Trump had previously requested to put up only a fraction of the total bond—$100 million—arguing that Engoron’s verdict banning him from conducting business in the state made it impossible to secure enough cash for the full payment.
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However, while Associate Justice Anil Singh rejected the proposal for the lesser amount, she agreed to pause the business and loan ban, which will allow Trump to access some of his equity to post the bond. Trump will now await the decision of the appeals court reviewing Engoron’s verdict.
As Valuetainment previously reported, Trump appealed the case to New York’s mid-level appeals court, asking that the justices reduce or cancel the penalty. Trump’s attorneys are requesting a ruling on whether Engoron “committed errors of law and/or fact” and whether he “acted in excess” of his jurisdiction.
The case will go before the court next month, with James’ brief due on March 11 and Trump’s replies due March 18.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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