Amidst mounting anticipation, the verdict in the New York state attorney general’s $370 million civil fraud case against former U.S. president Donald Trump is now expected by mid-February, according to a court spokesperson’s announcement on Thursday. Justice Arthur Engoron, who presided over a three-month trial last year, initially indicated a ruling by the end of January but refrained from concrete guarantees. The outcome, when delivered, could significantly impact Trump’s business ventures as he vies for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming U.S. election on November 5.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump and his family businesses inflated his net worth by up to $3.6 billion annually over a decade to secure favorable loan terms. Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing, dismissing the case as a politically motivated vendetta orchestrated by James, an elected Democrat.
Beyond monetary penalties, James seeks to permanently bar Trump from New York’s real estate industry and severely curtail his business activities within the state. Engoron had previously ruled in September that Trump had engaged in fraud, issuing an order for the partial dissolution of his business empire, the full implications of which remain unclear as Trump appeals.
Closing arguments were presented on January 11, with Engoron expressing his intent to deliver a ruling by January 31. However, the timeline has now been extended to early to mid-February. During the final arguments, Trump openly criticized the judge in the courtroom, accusing him of having a personal agenda. The judge responded by urging Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, to rein in his client.
As the legal drama unfolds, the impending decision holds the potential to reshape Trump’s future endeavors and cast a long shadow over his political aspirations.
