A judge issued a ruling on Tuesday, stating that Donald Trump engaged in fraudulent activities for several years while building his real estate empire, a claim vehemently denied by the former president. He defended the Trump Organization, describing it as a “great company” frequently targeted by a “politically motivated witch hunt.”
Justice Arthur Engoron made this ruling in anticipation of a $250 million civil lawsuit filed against Trump, his adult sons, and the Trump Organization by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Engoron concurred with James’ assertion that Trump had overstated the value of his assets and inflated his net worth.
On Monday, Trump criticized Engoron, as if he had foreknowledge of the upcoming decision, accusing the judge of being a “Trump hater.” Trump posted on Truth Social, “I have been unfairly sued by the Trump Hating Democrat Attorney General of New York State, Letitia James, over the false fact that I inflated my Financial Statements.”
“The Judge in the case, Arthur F. Engoron, refused to allow this case to go to the ‘Commercial Division,’ where it belongs because he is a Trump Hater beyond even A.G. James, who campaigned against me, spewing horrible inflammatory statements which are False & Defamatory.”
Following the Tuesday ruling, Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, issued a statement reaffirming the Trump team’s stance. The statement declared, “Today’s decision is fundamentally flawed at every level. It is important to remember that the Trump Organization is an American success story. The fact that this Court summarily found that there is no question of fact, finding in part that Mar-a-Lago is worth approximately $20 million and issue a decision of this magnitude is an affront to our legal system.”
“We intend to immediately appeal this decision because President Trump and his family, like every American business owner, is entitled to their day in court.”
Engoron’s ruling concluded that Trump, his sons, and company executives had repeatedly provided false information on financial documents to secure more favorable loan terms and lower insurance premiums.
Engoron also specifically addressed a claim made by Trump on Monday.
