In a recent development, the judge presiding over former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial in New York, Arthur Engoron, has rejected Trump's request to postpone the enforcement of the $355 million fine by 30 days.
The Manhattan Supreme Court Judge stated that Trump's legal team had not provided a satisfactory explanation as to why the delay was necessary.
Engoron wrote in an email to Trump's attorney, Clifford Robert, "You have again asked for time to file a proposed counter-judgment again without explaining in what way the Attorney General's proposed judgment is incorrect (except as dealt with above) and again without specifying how your proposed judgment would differ." The word "again" was emphasized each time it was used.
Engoron further stated that the proposed judgment by New York Attorney General Letitia James, which was announced earlier this week, "accurately reflects the spirit and letter of the February 16 Decision and Order." He dismissed the concerns raised by Trump's team that they should have been consulted by the attorney general before the filing.
According to the Washington Post, now that Engoron has officially approved the judgment, Trump has a 30-day window to file a notice of appeal, which he is anticipated to do while also posting bond.
Previously, Engoron had ordered Trump to pay nearly $355 million, along with an estimated $100 million in interest. He also prohibited Trump from "serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or other legal entity in New York for a period of three years."
Trump's adult sons, Don and Eric, were each fined $4 million and banned from operating businesses in the state for two years.
Engoron noted in his decision that the Trumps' "complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological," suggesting that the former president had committed a "venial sin."
Earlier this week, James warned that if Trump is unable to pay the fine in cash, she may resort to seizing his assets, which include buildings in his extensive real estate portfolio.
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