A New York judge has ordered Donald Trump, his eldest sons, and associates to pay over $350m after being found guilty of committing financial fraud over a decade. The judge’s decision was a devastating blow for the former president, who was also barred from serving as an officer or director of any corporation or entity in New York for three years. His sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr, were banned for two years.
The three-month hearing was intense, with Trump attacking the judge both in and out of the courtroom. The judge’s decision highlighted Trump’s lack of credibility and remorse, and his refusal to answer questions directly. Trump took to social media to attack the verdict, the judge, and his prosecutors, claiming the decision was a sham.
The ruling marks the conclusion of a case that was years in the making, with the New York attorney general hailing it as a ”massive victory.” Trump has denied all wrongdoing and will likely appeal the decision.
Prosecutors had asked for a lifetime ban and a $370m fine, but the judge’s ruling is a follow-up to a pre-trial judgment issued in September.
2024-02-16 17:03:01
Post from www.theguardian.com