September, Friday 20, 2024

How will Trump cover the $370m fine in the New York fraud trial?


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A verdict in Donald Trump's civil fraud trial, which could have a significant impact on the future of his family business, is expected to be announced on Friday by a New York judge. Trump, along with his adult sons and his company, has already been found guilty of inflating asset values in statements to lenders. Prosecutors have requested a $370 million fine for Trump and limitations on his ability to conduct business in the state. Legal experts believe that such a substantial penalty, combined with the potential impact on his real estate empire, could severely impact Trump's finances and significantly reduce his fortune. New York Attorney General Letitia James has argued that $370 million is the appropriate amount for the Trumps to pay in disgorgement, a financial penalty involving the repayment of fraudulently obtained money. The judge, Arthur Engoron, will determine the financial penalties when delivering the ruling. If Trump wants to avoid paying the fine or prevent the seizure of his personal assets during the appeals process, he must deposit the full amount with the court within 30 days. Trump denies committing fraud and plans to launch an appeal, which would postpone the verdict until a higher court reviews the case. However, he must still find a way to pay the full fine in the meantime. Trump's total net worth is estimated to be $2.6 billion, and a penalty of $370 million would cost him approximately 15-18% of his wealth. In addition to this potential penalty, Trump is already required to pay $83.3 million in damages from a separate defamation case and faces mounting legal fees from other criminal cases. To cover the fines and legal fees, Trump could attempt to secure a bond, which would require a substantial collateral and additional fees. Some of Trump's assets may need to be sold to generate the necessary funds. Alternatively, Trump could tap into his fundraising efforts, as a portion of donations from his supporters is allocated to pay for his legal expenses. However, funding such a large penalty in a short period of time could prove challenging. The final ruling from Judge Engoron will provide a clearer picture of how this will impact Trump's business and personal fortune, but regardless of his chosen payment method, a significant penalty is expected to cause financial difficulties for the former president.