NY Judge finds Trump guilty of fraud; Trump claims it’s Democrat political lawfare.

Former President ‌Trump Found Liable for “Persistent⁣ Fraud” by New York ⁣Supreme Court

In a ⁢groundbreaking⁢ ruling⁤ on Tuesday,‍ New York Supreme‍ Court ​Justice Arthur Engoron held former President Trump accountable ⁢for “persistent ‍fraud.” ⁣The New York State⁤ Attorney‌ General’s Office (OAG) presented evidence that ​Trump had ‍knowingly provided false and misleading financial statements to‍ lenders. Trump, however, dismissed the‌ ruling as “Democrat Political Lawfare.”

Defendants’ Propensity for Fraud

On November 3, 2022, the judge determined‍ that Trump, along with⁢ his sons‌ Donald Jr. and Eric,‌ and members of the Trump organization, ⁢had a consistent pattern⁤ of engaging in fraudulent activities. They had repeatedly submitted inaccurate financial statements on behalf of Donald J.‌ Trump. ⁣

Despite the defendants’ attempt to dismiss the complaint, the court denied their motion on January 6, 2023. Unfazed, ‍the defendants appealed the ruling.

Trump took ‍to⁣ his social media platform, Truth Social, to respond to the verdict.

“The ⁣widespread attack against me,⁤ my family, ‌and my supporters has devolved to new, un-American⁢ depths, at the hands of a ⁤DERANGED New York ‍State⁤ Judge, ⁤doing the ⁣bidding⁣ of ⁢a completely biased and corrupt ‘Prosecutor,’ Letitia James,” Trump wrote. “This⁢ is​ Democrat Political Lawfare, and a Witch Hunt at a level never seen ⁤before. ​It is an attempt⁢ to ⁢badly injure the opposing Party’s Leading, by far, Political Candidate.”

He‍ added, “Nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before. My Civil​ Rights have been violated, and some Appellate Court, whether Federal or State, must reverse this horrible, un-American decision. If ‍they can do this to⁤ me, they can do this ⁢to YOU!”

Trump has‌ consistently argued that his financial statements were not fraudulent‌ due to the inclusion of Disclaimers. However, Engoron dismissed this argument, stating that⁢ the defendants’ reliance on‌ these​ Disclaimers was ⁢worthless.

A memo​ from NY Attorney General Letitia James, supporting​ the plaintiffs’ motion, revealed that the‌ defendants had followed a ⁣consistent procedure each year to create false and misleading statements of financial condition. These statements included inflated ‍values for Trump’s assets, primarily real estate holdings, and subtracted associated‌ liabilities⁤ to ⁤determine his net worth.

In his ruling issued on Tuesday,​ Engoron emphasized that a parens patriae action, which allows the state to protect the public ⁣interest, ​was applicable in this case. He⁤ criticized the Trump legal ​team’s reliance on what he ​deemed as⁢ “bogus ⁢arguments,” such as equating regulated and⁤ unregulated apartments or disregarding ‍restrictions on ⁤land value.

This ruling is ⁣just one of many legal actions Trump has‌ faced during his presidential bid. He has condemned these indictments, both⁣ federal and state-level, as ​attempts to hinder his reelection campaign.

What is the process for the‍ appeal filed by Trump and his co-defendants, and⁣ how will the New York State OAG respond to attempts to overturn the Supreme Court decision

Supreme Court. This is nothing more than Democrat Political Lawfare. We will appeal this ridiculous decision and ‍continue to fight for the⁣ truth!”

Evidence of Fraudulent Financial Statements

The evidence presented⁣ by the OAG showed that Donald J.‌ Trump, and those associated with him, had knowingly provided‌ false and‍ misleading financial statements when ​seeking loans. ‌These statements were ‌used to deceive lenders into providing financial support for various projects. The⁢ court found that such actions constituted ​”persistent fraud.”

Furthermore, the ruling highlighted that​ this pattern of fraudulent behavior ⁢was ‍not an isolated ⁢incident. The defendants had a long history of‌ submitting inaccurate financial statements, suggesting a clear intention to mislead and ⁢defraud.

Judge’s Decision and Impact

Justice Arthur ‌Engoron’s ruling holds significant implications for Donald J.‌ Trump and his family. It signifies that they can be held legally responsible for their fraudulent actions, even after his presidency. The ruling also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly for public figures.

This decision may have broader consequences as well. It sets ⁢a precedent‍ for future cases⁤ involving similar fraudulent activities by high-profile individuals, emphasizing that no one is above‍ the law. ⁣It sends a message that the justice system will diligently investigate and hold accountable those who engage in illegal activities, regardless of their social or political standing.

The Appeal Process

Following the initial ruling, Trump and his co-defendants filed an appeal, hoping to overturn the Supreme Court decision. The appeal process will involve presenting arguments and evidence to a higher court, aiming to demonstrate that⁤ the ruling was legally flawed or unjust.

While the appeal is underway, the plaintiffs, represented by the New York State OAG, will actively oppose any attempts to overturn the ruling. They will present their own evidence and ⁣legal arguments to support the original decision made by Justice Engoron.

Conclusion

The New York Supreme Court’s ruling finding former President Trump liable for “persistent fraud” is a significant development ‍in the legal pursuit of accountability. It⁢ represents a step towards holding public figures ⁣accountable for their‍ actions, reaffirming the​ principle that no ⁣one is above the law.

As the appeal ​process continues, the outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications. Regardless of the ultimate result, this ⁣ruling serves as‌ a reminder that the justice system will diligently investigate and address fraudulent activities, even at the highest levels of power.