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An appeals court in New York on Thursday rejected a request from the Republican to postpone the trial that was due to start on Monday. This means that the civil trial surrounding Trump’s previous information about the value of his property should begin as planned early this week.
The 77-year-old right-wing populist, who wants to win back the White House next year, had already suffered a major legal defeat on Tuesday. The judge responsible in the case, Arthur Engoron, considered it proven that Trump had deliberately overestimated the assets of his real estate empire in the past, for example to obtain better loan conditions. The judge ruled that the real estate magnate was guilty of “fraud”.
Trump could lose control of the real estate portfolio
This means that a central question in the procedure has already been clarified before the process begins. Engoron has also revoked business licenses for a number of Trump properties, including Manhattan’s famed Trump Tower. The exact impact of this decision is still unclear, but Trump could lose control of important parts of his real estate portfolio.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump and several of his children in September 2022 on financial fraud charges. The Trump Organization family holding company is said to have overstated assets by several billion dollars between 2011 and 2021 to obtain loans and insurance on more favorable terms. Trump denies the allegations, but Judge Engoron ruled in favor of James.
He faces a fine of $250 million
The civil case will now focus, among other things, on the amount of the fine. Attorney General James is demanding a fine of $250 million (about €235 million) and wants to ban Trump and his two eldest sons, Donald Trump Junior and Eric Trump, from running businesses in New York state. The ex-president is not threatened with prison time in this civil case.
The clear favorite for the US Republican presidential nomination has also been charged in four criminal cases this year. This includes his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election to remain in power. (AFP)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
