Donald Trump’s notable real estate holdings and his ongoing presidential aspirations remained unaffected on Monday despite developments in separate civil and criminal cases, affording him some respite.
Facing a tight deadline to post a $464 million bond in a New York civil trial, the former president found relief as an appeals court panel intervened, significantly reducing the required amount to $175 million. Trump confirmed his intention to adhere to the ruling, agreeing to furnish the $175 million bond within the specified 10-day period.
Trump is gearing up to challenge a ruling issued by Superior Court Judge Arthur Engoron in a civil fraud lawsuit initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2022.
In an order, a five-judge state appeals court panel extended a 10-day deadline for the Trump Organization and its top executives to post a $175 million bond.
Judge Engoron’s ruling found Trump, his company, and senior executives culpable of defrauding banks and insurers by inflating the value of their family’s wealth and real estate on financial statements used for loan security.
Trump, in previous remarks, criticized Judge Engoron, Attorney General Letitia James, and other Democrats for his ongoing legal battles, which pose a threat to his financial assets, real estate holdings, and presidential aspirations.
Following the reduction in the bond amount, Trump indicated plans to allocate a portion of his over $500 million cash reserve toward his presidential campaign. However, he declined to specify when he would transfer funds into his campaign accounts.
Trump’s court appearance at 40 Wall Street saw him expressing frustration over the proceedings, particularly the New York state criminal case involving allegations of concealing hush money payments to an adult film actress before the 2016 presidential election.
Judge Juan Merchan ruled for jury selection in the hush money case to potentially commence on April 15, despite Trump’s plea for a longer delay due to a late document disclosure by prosecutors.
Trump, who pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in April 2023, voiced hope to avoid the trial altogether, citing potential implications amid an ongoing election season.
Prosecutors in three other criminal cases against Trump are also navigating challenges to expedite trials ahead of the November elections. These cases span Florida, Georgia, New York, and Washington, collectively involving 88 felony charges against Trump.
Trump’s legal battles include federal charges in Florida related to mishandling sensitive military documents, state charges in Georgia for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, and federal charges in Washington for involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Read more: Trump Teams Up with RNC for Fundraising Effort Supporting Legal Fees
Article Source: Trump frustrated with pending criminal, civil cases ahead of election | National | thecentersquare.com
