Former President Donald Trump is appealing a civil fraud ruling that mandates he pay over $450 million. The appeal was filed with a mid-level appeals court in New York, challenging Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling as 'draconian, unlawful, and unconstitutional.'
Trump's legal team argues that the decision grants New York Attorney General Letitia James excessive power to target individuals, including political opponents. The attorney general's office, however, remains confident in their victory based on facts and law.
In February, Engoron found Trump and other defendants liable for various charges, including fraud, falsifying records, and conspiracy. The initial penalty of $355 million has since increased to around $470 million due to daily interest accruals.
Trump's team criticizes Engoron's decisions as legally unfounded and detached from commercial reality, citing the unprecedented financial penalty. If the appeal fails, Trump may face the full $454 million liability, risking seizure of his real estate assets.
The Appellate Division has the authority to uphold, adjust, or overturn the verdict. Should Trump's appeal be unsuccessful, he can seek review from the Court of Appeals, New York's highest court.
