Trump appeals $454 million judgment, seeks $100 million bond amid legal battles

Donald Trump is appealing a $454.2 million judgment imposed in a New York state's civil fraud case against him. This decision, made on February 16 by Justice Arthur Engoron of the state court in Manhattan, includes a three-year ban from serving in a top role at any New York company or seeking loans from banks registered in the state.

Accusations of Overstating Property Values

The case was brought by state Attorney General Letitia James, accusing the former president and his family company of overstating the value of his properties to inflate his net worth and obtain better loan and insurance terms.

Appeal Details

In a filing with the Appellate Division, Trump's lawyers have requested a $100 million bond to secure the judgment. They argue that, together with Trump's "vast" real estate holdings and ongoing oversight by a court-designated monitor for the Trump Organization, this amount would be more than sufficient to secure the judgment.

Additionally, Trump's lawyers are seeking a temporary stay of enforcement of the judgment during his appeal, claiming that he would suffer "irreparable harm" if his real estate assets were forced to be sold to raise capital.

Potential Financial Impact

A bonding company would be responsible for any payout if Trump lost his appeal and proved unable to pay. However, there might be difficulty in collecting if Trump, as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, reclaimed the White House from Democrat Joe Biden.