Yesterday, Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that defeated, former President Donald Trump $355 million for fraudulent business activities namely inflating the value of his properties and other assets to secure favorable loans. Trump is also prohibited from running any business in New York for three years. Trump's sons, Donald, Jr. and Eric, were also fined $4 million apiece while former Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg was fined $1 million. The civil charges were brought against Trump by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Although Judge Engoron's penalty is more than four times the amount Trump owes E. Jean Carroll (perhaps five times when interest is taken into account), will it actually hurt him?
Trump has 30 days to pay but is certain to appeal the ruling. An appeal would likely reduce the penalty. Whatever the disposition of the case, Trump knows he can count on his supporters to part with their life savings rather than pay anything out of his own pocket. After all, there is a significant portion of the country who thinks Trump did nothing wrong and can do no wrong. Ever.
This November what it will come down to is if people are more offended by Trump's civil and criminal transgressions or by President Biden's age.
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