New York appellate panel questions $450 million judgment against Donald J. Trump.
In a recent hearing in Manhattan, a New York appeals court expressed doubts about a civil judgment of over $450 million against former President Donald J. Trump. The judgment was issued by a trial judge who found that Trump had fraudulently inflated his wealth. The case was brought by New York’s attorney general two years ago against Trump and his family business.
The five-judge panel raised concerns about the size of the judgment and the jurisdiction of the attorney general’s office. While some judges acknowledged the merits of the case, others questioned whether the attorney general had overstepped its authority. The court’s questions indicated a potential reduction in the judgment, which could impact Attorney General Letitia James.
Justice Peter H. Moulton expressed unease about the substantial penalty imposed on Trump. The trial judge, Arthur F. Engoron, had ruled in favor of the attorney general, finding Trump liable for civil fraud for misrepresenting his wealth to obtain financial benefits. The judgment was issued in February following a bench trial.
During the hearing, Deputy Solicitor General Judith N. Vale faced skepticism from Judge David Friedman, who questioned the validity of the lawsuit. Other judges raised concerns about the attorney general’s office potentially exceeding its mandate and questioned the oversight mechanisms in place to prevent such overreach.
The court’s scrutiny of the case suggests a possible reduction in the judgment against Trump, which could impact the attorney general’s pursuit of the case. The outcome of the appeal will determine the extent of Trump’s financial liability and the authority of the attorney general’s office in pursuing similar cases in the future.
Source: The NY Times
