NEW YORK (AP) — A judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House, and he ordered some of the former president’s companies removed from his control and dissolved.
Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling in a civil lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, found that Trump and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing loans.
Engoron ordered that some of Trump’s business licenses be rescinded as punishment, making it difficult or impossible for them to do business in New York, and said he would continue to have an independent monitor oversee Trump Organization operations.
If not successfully appealed, the order would strip Trump of his authority to make strategic and financial decisions over some of his key properties in the state.
Trump, in a series of statements, railed against the decision, calling it “un-American” and part of an ongoing plot to damage his campaign to return to the White House.
“My Civil rights have been violated, and some Appellate Court, whether federal or state, must reverse this horrible, un-American decision,” he wrote on his Truth Social site. He insisted his company had “done a magnificent job for New York State” and “done business perfectly,” calling it “A very sad Day for the New York State System of Justice!”
Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, said they would appeal, calling the decision “completely disconnected from the facts and governing law.”
Engoron’s ruling, days before the start of a non-jury trial in James’ lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Trump’s carefully coiffed image as a wealthy and shrewd real estate mogul turned political powerhouse.
Beyond mere bragging about his riches, Trump, his company and key executives repeatedly lied about them on his annual financial statements, reaping rewards such as favorable loan terms and lower insurance costs, Engoron found.
Those tactics crossed a line and violated the law, the judge said, rejecting Trump’s contention that a disclaimer on the financial statements absolved him of any wrongdoing.
“In defendants’ world: rent regulated apartments are worth the same as unregulated apartments; restricted land is worth the same as unrestricted land; restrictions can evaporate into thin air; a disclaimer by one party casting responsibility on another party exonerates the other party’s lies,” Engoron wrote in his 35-page ruling. “That is a fantasy world, not the real world.”
Manhattan prosecutors had looked into bringing criminal charges over the same conduct but declined to do so, leaving James to sue Trump and seek penalties that aim to disrupt his and his family’s ability to do business.
Engoron’s ruling, in a phase of the case known as summary judgment, resolves the key claim in James’ lawsuit, but several others remain. He’ll decide on those claims and James’ request for $250 million in penalties at a trial starting Oct. 2. Trump’s lawyers have asked an appeals court for a delay.
“Today, a judge ruled in our favor and found that Donald Trump and the Trump Organization engaged in years of financial fraud,” James said in a statement. “We look forward to presenting the rest of our case at trial.”
Trump’s lawyers, in their own summary judgment bid, had asked the judge to throw out the case, arguing that there wasn’t any evidence the public was harmed by Trump’s actions. They also argued that many of the allegations in the lawsuit were barred by the statute of limitations.
Engoron, noting that he had rejected those arguments earlier in the case, equated them to the plot of the film “Groundhog Day.” He fined five defense lawyers $7,500 each as punishment for “engaging in repetitive, frivolous” arguments, but denied James’ request to sanction Trump and other defendants.
James, a Democrat, sued Trump and the Trump Organization a year ago, accusing them of routinely inflating the value of assets like skyscrapers, golf courses and his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, padding his bottom line by billions.
Engoron found that Trump consistently overvalued Mar-a-Lago, inflating its value on one financial statement by as much as 2,300%. The judge also rebuked Trump for lying about the size of his Manhattan apartment. Trump claimed his three-story Trump Tower penthouse was nearly three times its actual size, valuing it at $327 million.
“A discrepancy of this order of magnitude, by a real estate developer sizing up his own living space of decades, can only be considered fraud,” Engoron wrote.
On X in the wake of the ruling, Eric Trump insisted his father’s claims about Mar-a-Lago were correct, writing that the Palm Beach estate is “speculated to be worth well over a billion dollars making it arguably the most valuable residential property in the country.” He called the ruling and the lawsuit “an attempt to destroy my father and kick him out of New York.”
Under the ruling, limited liability companies that control some of Trump’s key properties, such as 40 Wall Street, will be dissolved and authority over how to run them handed over to a receiver. Trump would lose his authority over whom to hire or fire, whom to rent office space to, and other key decisions.
“The decision seeks to nationalize one of the most successful corporate empires in the United States and seize control of private property all while acknowledging there is zero evidence of any default, breach, late payment or any complaint of harm,” Kise said after the decision.
James’ lawsuit is one of several legal headaches for Trump, the Republican front-runner in next year’s election. He has been indicted four times in the last six months — accused in Georgia and Washington, D.C., of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss, in Florida of hoarding classified documents, and in Manhattan of falsifying business records related to hush money paid on his behalf.
The Trump Organization was convicted of tax fraud last year in an unrelated criminal case for helping executives dodge taxes on perks such as apartments and cars. The company was fined $1.6 million. One executive, Trump’s longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg, pleaded guilty and served five months in jail.
James’ office previously sued Trump for misusing his charitable foundation to further his political and business interests. Trump was ordered to give $2 million to charity as a fine while his own charity, the Trump Foundation, was shut down.
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Associated Press reporters Eric Tucker in Washington, D.C., Jill Colvin in Summerville, South Carolina and Bernard Condon and David B. Caruso in New York contributed to this report.
What’s incredible is that Trump is claiming a violation of his civil rights yet the judge ruled based on Trump’s own papers and documents. Typical narcissist he blames everyone other then himself.
According to some other reports this could be devastating to Trump. Couldn’t think of a nicer guy that this would happen too
The problem is that the judge has hardly seen Trump’s papers. Everything he has been charged with has been investigated in the past and the prosecutors did not file charges because there was nothing to file on.
You may not like Trump, but what is being done to him is being done to a lot of people with far les power than he. the US Justice system is as big a joke as the UK’s.
Correct.
Btw, this is Trump earlier in the year calling Putin a genocidal manic with Pierce Morgan. You will not see this on mainstream in America.
It’s a cherry picked clip on a loop. I’ve seen it, but you wouldn’t be so happy with the rest of it.
Cherry picked. Of course it’s in a loop. Look at your Biden, is in a Loop too.
You saw it where? Which American news had it on in March?
The problem with you Trump haters, is you use this to substantiate your support for us in Ukraine.
You were non existent in 2014. Just like this site, which only came on board, in 2019, when Trump was in office.
You would have been blasted by Ukrainians if you supported Obama/Biden in 2014 to 2015
What Biden? I didn’t post a loop vid.
I don’t like Trump because he invited an insurrection and was involved in sedition. US Military swears oath to constitution, not kings, not autocrats, not dictators.
Honestly I’d rather not talk about the abysmal choice we have for the leader of this country. I’ve been following Ukraine more than I follow my own city.
Just because you weren’t aware of me doesn’t mean I didn’t exist. And just because this site came about later does not mean the people in here don’t passionately and fervently care about Ukraine.
You can only speak for yourself.
Cap, if they keep giving you carrots to depend on, you’ll be all tired out come 2024 election in America !!! 🤣
Slava Ukraini!!! 💛💙
What does that even mean? Are you off your meds?
Everyone is pro or anti something Bo it’s called reason and judgement.
I tried not to take things personal but your drunk ass has come on repeatedly bashing others and personally so don’t give me that I’m better that all you people shit. What do you care how old I am Mr. In Unity is Power.
Interesting that Ukrainian officials are regularly accused of corruption, yet here we have Trump, and not forgetting the case against Bob Menendez currently going on in the US.
Menendez has been flirting with corruption charges for years. He was charged before, but nothing came of it. Given that the Biden Regime is going after conservatives, I wouldn’t give you a nickel for the charges against Trump, and have serious doubts anything will be done to Menendez. The US justice system has become a joke since 2008.
“the Biden Regime is going after conservatives”
Wrong. The US Justice Department is going after criminals. Doesn’t matter if they’re Republican or Democratic.
This is a civil issue and banks appraise property.
Some of you on here, are just Trump haters. This is not good if you support Ukraine.
I notice this site does not go back to 2014, 2010, or 2004, why?? The atrocities by Obama/Biden against Ukraine, supporting Putin, were setting us up for Putin’s invasion.
The NY Judge? As anyone who knows, and I have bought property, residential and commercial in America, since moving here in 2016, Banks perform appraisals on property to protect their assets/interests. The Judge is a political hack, like we used we to have in Ukraine, for Putin, once upon a time.
I think this was to disguise the wire transfer information about the Biden’s CORRUPTION, by CONGRESS, the other day.
This article should not be within Ukraine Today, as it does nothing but attempt to show bias. Nothing of it, is about Ukraine.
It has everything to do with Ukraine as we know by Trump’s own words he would give Ukraine or parts of its territory to Putin. Trump is a fuckin asshole who is only concerned about himself . He has done absolutely nothing and I mean nothing for Ukraine. You can come up with any narrative you’d like about this asshole but he is a divisive son a bitch who just needs to go away. And please don’t give me this bulkshit about javelins in 2019. He gave it to Ukraine under the proviso it couldn’t be used at the front. Take your own delusions about this schmuck and keep them to yourself.
When did Putin invade Ukraine? Under the watch of Joe Biden and Barrack Obama.
You’re only on here, not because of Ukraine, but because of your hate for Trump. If not, where is your comments about Obama/Biden disarming us in 2005 and 2014??
I doubt very much, if this site was running in 2014, you would be on your knees supporting Obama/Biden, instead of Ukraine being invaded by Putler.
So do us all a favour on here. If you want to report and support Ukraine, I luv you. But if you’re just here to bash Trump and try and manipulate people on him being elected, no one wants to hear that. We can go to Breitbart or the Hill for that.
Was your aim always this bad? Is that why you left the ATO?
“This is a civil issue”
That’s why Trump’s not going to jail over it.
“banks appraise property”
Sometimes; not always.
“I notice this site does not go back to 2014, 2010, or 2004, why??”
Why do you keep asking this? If you want to know the history of this site, click the “About us” link near the top.
“I have bought property […] Banks perform appraisals on property”
But this wasn’t property that Trumpkov was buying. He overvaluing his assets and net worth, in order to obtain better terms on loans and insurance.
“disguise the wire transfer information”
The wire transfer information that involved relatives of President Joe Biden, but not President Biden himself?
Why are we not posting the documents of Biden produced the other day, bank transfers to the Biden’s, speaking of money laundering and pay to play
Why can’t we have a completely new YOUNG presidential candidate completely free of corruption instead of choosing between two old corrupt sacks of shit???
Right now, Mike, there is not one around.
This election will be the 1st year I’m a US citizen able to vote in a Federal election.
I like what I saw from Trump, when I originally moved to America in 2016.
The policies are to my liking.
I do not share your sympathies for Trump, but i am glad you are here to raise your voice. 🤠
Slava Ukraini, Mike! 💙💛
Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦
“bank transfers to the Biden’s”
Because they didn’t involve *Joe* Biden, so they’re not relevant. If there were any evidence of wrong-doing by President Biden, I’m sure that those in the Trumpkov cult would be posting them.
Of course they did. The shell companies involved THE BIDEN’S
The only thing that has been violated in these cases is America itself. Trump is nothing but a narcissistic profiteer of the worst kind.
This guy showed us that he was ready to grovel in front of the worst dictators in the world, he shows us today that tax laws and the duties of a US citizen do not concern him.
Put this scum in jail!
What policies of Trump did you not like , Anonymous?
Already his election was helped by the Russians. In this sense the sovereignty of the American people has been violated. but what’s more, Trump didn’t want to give back power! Americans have even lost their lives because of his manipulations, and you would have renounced democracy without resistance, because you feel part of the same group. as he’s your friend, your guru, he can steal evrything and everyone, you don’t see anything anymore, the judgment zone in your brain is inhibited!
(not to mention his record on North Korea and Iran, 2 threats consolidated by Trump)
Did you not think Biden’s election helped Putler?
After all, Putler invaded us again in Ukraine, just like in 2014.
Again thought, what policies of Trump did you NOT like, for America and the World?
Remember, Trump met with NK, to gain an ally and not want to see missiles being sent throughout the Pacific as was done with Obama/Biden.
As far as Iran, a Rashist Ally, who the F cares. There a Putler Ally so I don’t really care and neither should you, as they are no friend of America.
At least Trump was not sending them a planeload of money like Obama
Tax fraud and bank fraud are just the tip of the shitstorm Trump has brought on himself and involved himself in.
I have no respect for Miley. A General who calls a Communist on his country, should be in prison, or executed. In Ukraine, he would be executed, a traitor.
What was your units motto again?
His contact you are referring to was so the world didn’t freak out thinking Trump would pull a military coup.
I don’t much like General Milley but he is not a traitor. You are just parroting the nonsense put forth by your idol.
The Joint Staff spokesperson said those communications were part of his normal duties and responsibilities “conveying reassurance in order to maintain strategic stability.”
“All calls from the Chairman to his counterparts, including those reported, are staffed, coordinated and communicated with the Department of Defense” as well as the U.S. security and intelligence community’s interagency pipeline.
https://www.npr.org/2021/09/15/1037454733/milley-defends-call-to-chinese-general-about-trump
Then America is worse off than I thought. When a General can supersede the President and information and enemy of what is about to occur, that is traitorous.
Lose lips sink ships.
If that’s all that it takes, then Biden family should ALL be in prison in America.
First time you get to vote and here you support the policies of an enemy of the constitution. You hit something with that javelin you say you fired besides the broadside of Grandpa’s barn?
What policies are they, and be specific too.
The Constitution is specific and I was tested on it by the US Government, before I received my citizenship, as it’s one of the requirements.
I’m surprised you remotely passed and support someone whom wants to tear up that document to be “king for life”.
You are indeed a moron. Can’t believe you’re Ukrainian. Ukrainians aren’t as stupid as you. You must be a fuckin Russian
You didn’t say specifically what policies of Trump’s you supported. You said in general. Speaking of Generals, I have another General Milley video for you to choke on in. Please give my condolences to your wife also.
Here’s your idol, and it was made in China. 🤣
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/golden-trump-statue-cpac-1948607
Or how about someone under felony indictment trying to buy/ or buying a gun?
Do you know the CBC in Canada is like TASS is Ruzzia?
Do you know X formerly Twitter is run by MuskRaT whom gives aid, comfort, and a platform to the enemy.
How many rubbles did you get paid to say that Bo?
Why are on this site if you feel it is only an anti-trump site. Just go away. Concentrate on attending one of his rallies and perhaps you can kiss his ass and perhaps if you’re really lucky you can give him a blow job.
I thought it was a pro Ukrainian site. Now I’m learning people on here are not Pro Ukrainian.
Which is it a liberal or a far right excuse, make up your mind.
So you must be a toddler then. Do you even remember some of the things you’ve said to people here.
Again I served in the U.S. Army.
You both sound about the same. Hating on people due to a difference of opinion.
What was your MOS in the US Army, as when I was in Ukraine, I did meet some as I would have been a 11B in the American Army??
Correct, Hunter Biden, should not be purchasing a firearm.
Nor should Trump.
Why, he’s not a convicted Felon in America. Civil cases do not apply regarding firearms. Do I have to educate on even American law?
He has four felony indictments.
Indictments are not convictions. Learn the American law.
I can indict you for anything, it does not mean you’re guilty
Why does American news not post this information/comment about Trump supporting Ukraine. ??
You really are a schmuck. You’re the perfect example why the US should be more careful giving out citizenships.
You sound like a degenerate in America. Why are you supporting us in Ukraine again?
Let me correct my earlier comment…you’re a cowardly fuckin idiot.
Because he doesn’t. He will say practically anything at this point to try to get back into power to try to stop all the trouble he is in. You talk about traitors, but then bash those supporting Ukraine and support someone whom tried to undermine our democracy and prevent the peaceful transfer of power. What made you come here back in 2016?
Bill I think it’s simple. Ukraine was in trouble and being a coward he ran away from his country when that country needed him most. Of course he would back Trump an equally vile individual.
He said he served and was in the ATO but I wonder if he even remembers what unit he said he was in. Says he has two sons serving now but his story seems fishy.
LOL
When a difference of opinion is noted, resort to personal attacks.
Fishy, because you have never been to Ukraine. It appears this is a anti Trump site, not a pro Ukraine site. Which I will make I post on Ukraine language sites, in future and American sites.
This is only pro Ukraine, due to some of you are all Democrats in America.
When did you live in Ukraine.
Come to BB or Gateway, I’m usually on there, educating western Democrats and MAGA conservatives on Ukraine, as most, including yourselves, haven’t resided in Ukraine, ever.
Btw the it was the 79th and I believe I went through your question and answer period before. I won’t give you my sons units as, you would probably get them killed.
You really a fuckin moron. How did they ever let you in states.
There are people here that still support Trump (through I don’t know why)
What was the all Democrats comment,? As I told you before, I’m neither in nor from Ukraine.
Oh so you do remember what unit you told me, most liars wouldn’t keep that straight.
I don’t want to know you son’s units, and if they are anything like you , I wouldn’t want to know them either.
Only fishy to a fish like yourself.
I guess, doing the math, he could have been born 1994-1996 and been 18-20. Served 2 years and came here. But then he would have had to of had the boys when he was young, or joined when he was older. But during ATO they weren’t trying to get older guys without skills. Still even with that being possible he talks a lot of trash to regulars here. I lost my temper.
I served 2014-2016.
You appear to be just a anti Trump person on here, now, too.
When were you serving in Ukraine.
You have a temper because people have a different opinion, and Ukrainian at that.
Are you Ukrainian and where in Ukraine were you born and grew up?? OR, are you just a dust bunny?
I served in the US Army tyvm
I was serving when you Biden/Obama disarmed us and supported Putin, in Ukraine
Where were you in 2014?
You appear to have an attitude about Ukrainian’s. So you don’t support Ukraine, you just don’t like Trump. Correct?
You can say all this ancestor BS, you want, but I was born there, when it was still Soviet Ukraine.
You talk the talk, but never walked the walk
Why are you not a flight to Ukraine? My boys, who in their 30’s, I’m sure would love to have someone in the Donbass, who is eager to kill Rashists.
The only reason I came to America is my wife’s career.
Why did you settle in America?
I’m a native Bo
For Bo, What the U.S. Military stands for.
U.S. Military swears an oath to the Constitution, against all enemies, foreign, and domestic.
Correct…and that is why Milley is resigning. He’s corrupt and committed treason. The writing is on the WALL
Bo was able to reply to me, but I don’t see his replies… does it take a bit after they’ve been answered, or did Bo get kicked out?
The Mod did not like the fact, I was going to post the responses to Ukrainian language sites, with a link to this American bias anti Trump site.