President Donald Trump won a major personal legal victory after the New York Court of Appeals found massive penalties in an actual fraud case.
President Trump’s $454 million private fraud penalty has been overturned by a New York court
The New York Court of Appeals has overturned President Donald Trump’s $454 million civil fraud fine, calling it inappropriate in the president’s big legal victory.
The $454 million fine imposed against President Donald Trump in a New York civil fraud case was dumped by the Court of Appeal.
Trump and some of his entities were struck by his hefty punishment and interest in February 2024 after New York Judge Judge Arthur Ngoron concluded that Trump had inflated the value of his assets for years to obtain better loans and insurance terms. Engoron also imposed a penalty of about $10 million on Trump’s eldest sons Eric and Don Jr., as well as former Trump organization executive Allen Weiselberg.
However, in an August 21 ruling, which includes multiple opinions from different members of the five judge panel, the Manhattan-based appeals court found the penalty against Trump and others to be inappropriate. Some members of the panel said the penalty violated the U.S. Constitution’s ban on excessive fines. Others said Trump should be offered a new trial for a false judgement.
The ruling marks another major personal legal victory for Trump, who has also collapsed multiple criminal cases against him after his November presidential election victory. Trump’s appeal against his conviction in a New York criminal case that dealt with payments to the adult film Star Stormy Daniels is ongoing.
Trump claims “a perfect victory”
Trump called the decision a “complete victory” on social media.
“I greatly respect the fact that the courts have the courage to abandon this illegal and dishonorable decision that was hurting businesses throughout New York,” he posted on August 21st of Truth Social. Carol should also be thrown away.
“Sadly, there are other incidents that are equally dishonorable to me,” Trump said.
Contributions: Bad Jansen and Eduardo Quebas – USA TODAY.
This story has been updated with additional information.
