Donald Trump has appealed against the $454 million civil fraud judgment in New York, contesting the ruling that accused him of misrepresenting his wealth as he built the real estate empire that propelled him to fame and the presidency.
Trump’s legal team filed appeal notices on Monday, urging the state’s mid-level appeals court to overturn Judge Arthur Engoron’s verdict from February 16 in a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The appeal challenges the steep penalties that pose a significant threat to Trump’s financial reserves.
In the appeal documents, Trump’s lawyers state their intent to have the appeals court scrutinise whether Judge Engoron “committed errors of law and/or fact” and if he abused his discretion or exceeded his jurisdiction.
Notably, the appeal did not address whether Trump seeks a stay on the judgment collection by putting up funds or assets.
Judge Engoron found that Trump and his company engaged in a scheme to deceive banks and insurers by inflating his wealth on financial statements. The judgment imposed severe limitations on the Trump Organization’s business activities.
