Supporters of Donald Trump have accused Democrats of trying to "bankrupt" the former President after a New York court ordered him to pay $354.9million for overstating his net worth to lenders.
Reacting to the ruling by Justice Arthur Engoron, Trump's lawyer Alina Habba issued a statement describing it as “manifest injustice" and the "culmination of a multi-year, politically fuelled witch hunt" against him.
"This is not just about Donald Trump - if this decision stands, it will serve as a signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business."
Former San Francisco prosecutor Kimberly Guilfoyle criticised the size of the penalty in a case where she claimed "there’s no victims and no one lost money".
"The only fraud here is inside the New York AG’s office and inside a corrupt court."
Justice Engoron, who decided the case without a jury, also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years.
Trump has also been banned from applying for loans from any financial institution in New York for three years.
It's a move which many believe puts his real estate empire at risk.
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called the ruling "outrageous!" and said: "These people belong in jail for the abuse of power they are wielding against President Trump and his family."
Meanwhile, former New York legislator Ben Geller, described the ruling as "disgusting" and said: "This will be thrown out in appeal."
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Trump’s adult sons, Don Jr. and Eric, were also defendants in the case. They were each ordered to pay $4million.
Don Jr reacted by saying: "We've reached the point where your political beliefs combined with what venue your case is heard are the primary determinants of the outcome; not the facts of the case!"
Eric and Don Jr.'s lawyer Clifford Robert called the decision a "gross injustice".
Although lawyers for the Trump organisation say he will appeal, Trump could be required to deposit his portion of the full judgment plus interest pending the outcome.
Republican Senator for Ohio J.D. Vance said: "American courts have become corrupt weapons of the Democratic Party.
"Yes, Trump will win on appeal. But a lot of money and time will be wasted in the meantime. This is disgraceful."
Estimates of Trump’s wealth differ; Forbes values his net worth at $2.6billion and in an April deposition, Trump stated he possessed about $400million in cash.
Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James who brought the case against Trump described the ruling as "a massive victory".
"We won our case against Donald Trump for engaging in years of incredible financial fraud to enrich himself.
"Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Eric Trump, and his former executives must pay over $450million in disgorgement and interest."
from GB News https://ift.tt/n4L7PYe
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