Attorney who stood by his side says rule is a ‘signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business’
The recent civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump has resulted in a devastating ruling. Trump has been ordered to pay a staggering $355 million, dealing a significant blow to his real estate empire. Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, has strongly criticized the verdict, calling it a “manifest injustice” and a result of a “politically fueled witch hunt.”
Habba argues that the lengthy trial revealed no wrongdoing, no crime, and no victim. She vows to appeal the decision, emphasizing that this case is not just about Trump but also sends a signal that New York is no longer open for business.
As part of the ruling, Donald Trump and his two adult sons, Don Jr. and Eric Trump, have been barred from serving in top positions in New York companies for several years. Additionally, Eric and Don Jr. have been ordered to pay millions of dollars each.
The case centered around allegations that Trump inflated the values of his properties, including Mar-a-Lago and a Trump Tower penthouse, to secure favorable loans from banks. Trump vehemently denied any wrongdoing and accused his political opponents of targeting him.
New York Attorney General Letitia James led the case, seeking over $370 million from Trump and aiming to restrict his business activities in the state. James accused Trump of overstating his net worth by billions of dollars through deceptive schemes.
Throughout the trial, tensions ran high, with Trump clashing with Judge Arthur Engoron and James. Trump criticized the lawsuit as politically motivated and a waste of time, arguing that he was being persecuted instead of focusing on real issues such as crime prevention.
While the ruling may have dealt a significant blow to Trump’s empire, some legal experts are concerned about the precedent it sets. They worry that this victory for James could make it easier for courts to shut down companies in the future.
Despite the outcome, Trump’s legal team remains determined to fight the ruling and protect the former president’s interests.
