NEW: Judge Responds To Trump’s Request For Delay On $350M Penalty

In a recent development in the high-profile legal battle involving former President Donald Trump, New York Judge Arthur Engoron has rejected Trump’s request for a delay on the enforcement of a staggering $350 million penalty. The case, filed with the New York County Clerk on Thursday, showcased a series of communications between the judge and legal representatives from both sides.

The exchange began with a letter from Clifford Robert of Robert & Robert PLLC, representing Trump, addressing Justice Engoron. In his letter, Robert articulated the defense’s plea for a temporary stay on the enforcement of the judgment.

The request aimed to safeguard the Trump’s appellate rights and ensure an orderly post-judgment process. Robert stressed the lack of exigency for immediate enforcement, given the presence of a court-appointed monitor, arguing that a brief stay would not prejudice the attorney general’s position but would significantly prejudice the defendants.

However, Judge Engoron’s response was unyielding. Engoron dismissed the request for a stay, stating, “You have failed to explain, much less justify, any basis for a stay.” He reinforced his confidence in the Appellate Division’s ability to protect the appellate rights of the involved parties, thereby denying the motion for delay.

Last week, Trump faced a significant legal setback when he was prohibited from conducting his business activities in New York for a period of three years. Additionally, he was held responsible for $355 million in damages in a civil fraud lawsuit initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

This latest chapter in the ongoing legal saga adds to the complex narrative surrounding Trump’s legal challenges. With the denial of the request for a stay, attention now turns to the appellate process and the implications of the $350 million penalty on Trump and his business operations.

The lawsuit targeted Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization. Trump now faces the potential loss of some of his most valued properties if he is unable to settle his enormous New York civil fraud fine.

Including interest, his debt to the state is close to $454 million, a figure that increases by $87,502 daily until the full amount is paid according to Fox News.

The court found that Trump and his associated entities engaged in fraudulent activities by submitting false financial data to banks and insurers to secure loans and insurance at more favorable rates.

Despite the defense’s denial of these allegations, court documents state they found substantial evidence of fraudulent misrepresentation and imposed several remedies, including the continuation of an Independent Monitor’s appointment, the installation of an Independent Director of Compliance, and restrictions on the defendants’ ability to conduct business in New York for a few years.

“I also knew we have a corrupt judge. He’s not a respected man,” Trump stated after the ruling. “Again, I said before, he’s been overturned on this case by the appellate division four times already. It’s a record. Nobody’s ever been overturned on one case four times.”

The former President did not stop at criticizing the judiciary. He extended his commentary to the broader state of New York. “It’s a state that’s going bust because everybody’s leaving and it’s all headed up by Biden who’s destroying our country.”