Donald Trump is pressing a New York appellate court to overturn the nearly $500 million New York civil fraud judgment that threatens to upend his real estate empire and drain his cash reserves as he campaigns to retake the White House
Fresh off victories in other legal cases, Donald Trump on Monday pressed a New York appeals court to overturn the nearly $500 million New York civil fraud judgment that threatens to drain his personal cash reserves as he campaigns to retake the White House.
In paperwork filed with the state’s mid-level appeals court, the former president’s lawyers said Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron’s Feb. 16 finding that Trump lied to banks, insurers and others about his wealth was “erroneous” and “egregious.“
Trump’s appeal arguments echoed many of his gripes about the case, delivered during the trial to TV cameras outside the courtroom during his trial.
His lawyers argued that New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit should have been promptly dismissed, the statute of limitations barred some claims, and that no one was harmed by Trump’s alleged fraud.
They also complained that Engoron’s decision, if upheld, would bestow James, a Democrat, with „limitless power to target anyone she desires, including her self-described political opponents“, Trump’s lawyers wrote in a 116-page filing with the Appellate Division of the state’s trial court.
Trump posted a $175 million bond in April to halt collection of the judgment and prevent James’ office from seizing his assets while he appeals. If he wins, he won’t have to pay the state anything and will get back the money he has put up now.
The Appellate Court has said it will hear oral arguments in late September. Trump’s lawyers initiated the appeal days after Engoron’s ruling and had until Monday to file written arguments.
James’ office said Trump and his lawyers are raising unfounded arguments.
