‘We’ll be appealing,’ says Trump after $355M fine in New York fraud case
Donald Trump protests $355 million fine and a three-year business ban in New York following a Supreme Court ruling on asset inflation fraud
Former President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay a $355 million fine by the New York State Supreme Court for inflating the value of his assets.
The ruling, which also bars Trump and his sons Eric and Donald Jr. from business activities in New York for three years, was met with staunch criticism from Trump.
“We will be appealing,” Trump stated, insisting on his innocence. He described the judge’s decision as a “complete and total sham,” further alleging, “The banks all got their money 100%. They love Trump.”
He likened the ruling to a “witch hunt,” comparing it to the political climates in Russia and China. He also accused the Department of Justice and President Biden of targeting him as a political opponent.
“I helped New York City during its worst of times, and now, while it is overrun with Violent Biden Migrant Crime, the radicals are doing all they can to kick me out,” Trump’s statement said.
Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling followed extensive testimonies and evidence review.
Engoron noted a lack of repentance from the defendants, stating: “They are accused only of inflating asset values to make more money. The documents prove this repeatedly. This is a venial sin, not a mortal sin. The defendants did not commit murder or arson. They did not rob a bank at gunpoint. Yet, defendants are incapable of admitting the error of their ways.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the gravity of Trump’s actions: “He may have authored ‘The Art of the Deal,’ but he perfected the art of the steal.”
She added that the ruling is a significant victory for the principle that no one is above the law.
Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, described the ruling because of a “multiyear, politically fueled witch hunt.” She defended Trump by saying: “Countless hours of testimony proved that there was no wrongdoing, no crime, and no victim.”
This legal setback comes as Trump faces another trial in March over alleged hush money payments. Despite these challenges, Trump remains defiant, vowing not to let the ‘injustice stand’ and to fight against what he terms as Biden’s ‘weaponized persecution.’
Source: Newsroom
