Trump Appeals Civil Fraud Ruling in New York

Representatives of former President Donald Trump have filed an appeal in the New York Court of Appeals, challenging a liability verdict in a civil fraud case involving $464 million. The case focused on Trump’s real estate valuations.

The appeal argues that legal flaws in the case should have barred it from reaching the courts. According to the filing, the judgment is unusual due to improper statements targeting Trump, his family, and businesses, and a decision to apply New York law in a way deemed unprecedented and unlawful.

This case should have never been brought, and the judgment cannot stand.

This appeal represents Trump’s ongoing resistance against what he views as politically motivated legal challenges during and following his presidency. The appeal also seeks to overturn penalties remaining after the trial.

In 2022, New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump, citing 200 instances of alleged fraud. Her office claimed Trump frequently overvalued properties in New York City to obtain favorable loans or insurance rates, violating New York Executive Law § 63(12). This law mandates the attorney general to prosecute cases of repeated fraudulent or illegal acts.

The definition of fraud under this law includes various deceptive practices such as misrepresentation and false promises.

Trump was found liable in 2023, leading to significant consequences including a $355 million payment and restrictions on his business activities in New York.

An intermediate appeals court later vacated the monetary award. However, Trump’s legal team argues that the foundational liability decision and remaining restrictions should also be overturned.

The appeal challenges the verdict on five key points. It claims James lacked authority to pursue the case, highlighting that the transactions involved private commercial dealings rather than public harm.

Trump’s legal team further contends that his valuations were subjective estimates evaluated independently by lenders, not fraudulent misrepresentations. The appeal suggests the supposed victims were sophisticated entities like banks and insurers who profited significantly from these transactions.

Additionally, the appeal argues that the prosecution’s basis for overvaluation wrongly assumes real estate has a single objective value, equating deviations with fraud.

The only supposed ‘victims’ here are a handful of ultrasophisticated banks and insurers that have never claimed to be injured.

The appeal challenges the excessive penalties, labeling the $450 million disgorgement as excessive, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

Trump’s legal team argues that the politically charged nature of the case itself should have halted its progression. The appeal notes that James cannot cite similar enforcement actions against developers or defendants based on practices detailed in the case.

An additional claim in the filing is Attorney General James’ alleged targeting of Trump, labeling him a criminal and pledging to investigate his business dealings.

James’ office has not provided a response to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Leo Briceno reports on politics for Fox News Digital’s congressional team.