Former President Trump on Monday appealed a judge’s decision ordering him to pay more than $450 million in the New York attorney general’s sprawling civil fraud case against his business empire.
Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision earlier this month marked a stunning legal and financial blow to the former president, barring him from serving in a leadership role in any New York business for three years and ordering independent officials to monitor Trump’s companies.
The decision followed a months-long trial after which the judge determined Trump and top executives for years conspired to alter his net worth to receive tax and insurance benefits.
Trump’s appeal was expected because he and his lawyers have attacked the judge’s ruling as politically motivated and a “manifest injustice” for days. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
“We trust that the Appellate Division will overturn this egregious fine and take the necessary steps to restore the public faith in New York’s legal system,” Trump attorney Alina Habba said in a statement.
With Trump’s notice of appeal formally filed, the case will head to the First Judicial Department Appellate Division, where the former president will seek to get the nine-figure fine and the other penalties tossed.
