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Donald Trump has suffered a significant legal blow that strikes at the core of his identity. For years, he has presented himself as a brilliant business tycoon who achieved success in the cutthroat world of New York City through relentless self-promotion. This image propelled him to international fame, allowing him to pivot to a career as a reality TV star and eventually become the President of the United States. However, Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling in a civil fraud case has shattered Trump's carefully crafted narrative. The case involved allegations of inflating property values and lying on financial statements in order to obtain better loan terms. The ruling portrays Trump as a fraud and deals a major blow to his business empire and wealth. The verdict severely limits the Trump Organization's ability to conduct business in New York. Trump himself is banned from holding any directorships for three years, and his company is prohibited from securing loans from financial institutions registered with the city. Additionally, Trump must pay a substantial financial penalty of $355 million, which will increase to over $450 million with interest. An independent monitor will oversee Trump's business activities, with a separate independent director of compliance overseeing major business decisions. There is a small silver lining for Trump, as his business licenses have not been revoked. However, this verdict signifies a turning point for the former president and Republican frontrunner. Trump has frequently been hailed as "Teflon Don" due to his ability to navigate past scandals and legal challenges. But this ruling suggests that his luck, like that of mob boss John Gotti, may be running out. Judge Engoron highlighted Trump and the other defendants' lack of remorse and history of repeated fraud. He described the instances of fraud spanning over a decade as shocking and bordering on pathological. In response, Trump maintains that he built a flawless company and rejects the notion that he should be punished for fraud because the banks were repaid in full. He continues to assert, without evidence, that these legal challenges are orchestrated by elite Democrats to keep him away from power. Mary Trump, Trump's estranged niece, sees this ruling as the end of the Trump family legacy. Donald Trump's rise to prominence in New York real estate was a lifelong aspiration, stemming from his father's real estate business. The construction of Trump Tower in the 1980s solidified his reputation, and he subsequently attached his name to all his projects. However, in the early 1990s, Trump faced several corporate bankruptcies and nearly lost everything. It remains uncertain how Trump will pay the enormous sum he owes. Selling assets or businesses might be necessary, but this would be a significant blow to his pride as a Manhattan real estate magnate. Regardless of whether he can recover financially, this verdict has undeniably impacted his fortune, potentially irreversibly. The ruling in the city where he made his name, despite always being seen as an outsider, is undoubtedly a major setback. Throughout his more than six decades in New York real estate, there has been no figure Trump has criticized more than a "loser."