BREAKING: New York Court Appoints New Judge in Letitia James' Case against Trump!
The state of New York is committing massive fraud and unconventional targeting of Trump...
A New York court initially assigned a new judge, Judith McMahon, to oversee the civil fraud case against President Trump, but hours later reinstated Judge Arthur Engoron. Engoron, who previously ruled Trump liable for fraud and issued a $454 million judgment, has faced criticism from Trump’s legal team and allies, and the case is now pending on appeal.
Court Proceedings and Judge Assignment
A New York court initially assigned Judge Judith McMahon to preside over the civil fraud case against President-elect Trump, but later reinstated Judge Arthur Engoron.
Engoron, who had previously handled the case, was accused by Trump’s legal team of bias against him and his company.
Sources close to Trump’s team expressed concern over the back-and-forth in judge assignments.
The case is currently pending on appeal, with the decision to be remanded to a lower court after the appeals court’s ruling.
Engoron’s Previous Rulings
Engoron ruled that Trump and defendants were liable for multiple charges, including fraud, falsifying business records, issuing false financial statements, and insurance fraud.
He also issued a $454 million civil fraud judgment, which Trump is currently appealing.
Prior to the trial, Engoron issued a summary judgment against Trump, making the trial focus solely on the penalty to be paid.
Controversy Over Trial Handling
Engoron was criticized for allowing the value of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to be listed at just $18 million, a valuation Trump disputes, claiming the property is worth much more.
Critics, including Trump allies and real estate experts, argued that Mar-a-Lago is worth over $300 million.
Engoron also criticized Trump for his trial behavior, saying Trump “rarely responded to questions asked” and often “interjected long, irrelevant speeches.” Engoron claimed this compromised Trump’s credibility.
Trump’s Legal Team and Criticism
Trump’s legal team, along with allies, repeatedly criticized Engoron for his handling of the case, pointing out that he had exclusively donated to Democrats during his career.
Engoron is also under investigation for reportedly receiving unsolicited advice related to the case.
Trump and his family have denied wrongdoing, arguing that their assets were undervalued. Trump maintains that financial statements included disclaimers and made it clear that banks should conduct their own assessments.
Appeal and Legal Arguments
Trump’s legal team has appealed the $454 million judgment, calling Engoron’s ruling “draconian, unlawful, and unconstitutional.”
The New York Appeals Court has shown some receptiveness to potentially reversing or reducing the judgment.
Trump’s attorney, D. John Sauer, argued that the lawsuit stretched New York consumer protection laws and noted that there were no complaints from lenders or insurers about Trump’s business.
Sauer also pointed out that some of the transactions used in the trial dated back more than a decade, arguing this violated the statute of limitations.
If the judgment is not overturned, Sauer warned that it would create a precedent where individuals in real estate could not conduct business without fear.
GO DEEPER
A New York court initially assigned Judge Judith McMahon to the civil fraud case against President-elect Trump, but later reinstated Judge Arthur Engoron.
Engoron previously ruled that Trump and his company were liable for fraud, issuing a $454 million judgment.
Trump's legal team and allies criticized Engoron for alleged bias, particularly over his handling of the trial.
Engoron was criticized for allowing Mar-a-Lago’s value to be listed at $18 million, which Trump disputes, claiming it’s worth much more.
Trump was also criticized during the trial for failing to answer questions directly, which Engoron said hurt his credibility.
Engoron is reportedly under investigation for unsolicited advice he received during the case.
Trump and his family deny wrongdoing and argue that their financial statements had disclaimers.
The $454 million judgment is under appeal, with Trump's legal team calling the ruling "draconian, unlawful, and unconstitutional."
The New York Appeals Court is considering whether to reverse or reduce the judgment.
Trump's attorney argued that New York consumer protection laws were stretched too far, and there were no complaints from lenders or insurers.
The appeal also challenges transactions used in the trial, claiming they were beyond the statute of limitations.