New York Lawsuit Case- Judge to Decide Verdict by End of Month

In the civil business fraud trial of Donald Trump, New York state lawyers have raised their request for penalties to over $370 million. The trial filings highlight the final opportunity for state and defense lawyers to present their respective cases prior to closing arguments. The lawsuit is consequential for Trump as it could end up barring him from conducting business in New York and impose a hefty penalty on him. Trump has refuted the proposed penalty, calling it 'a disgrace.' Attorney General Letitia James is seeking the $370 million penalty, plus interest, arguing that Trump and his company intended to defraud people. She alleges that Trump and his company inflated asset values to secure attractive rates on loans and insurance. Trump's sons, however, deny any wrongdoing. The alleged scam is said to have involved exaggerating the values of properties such as golf courses, hotels, and Trump's former and current residences, leading to financial gains and investments. Trump has denounced the case as a political stunt to hinder his chances of returning to the White House, asserting that the alleged financial statements were misunderstood and contained disclaimers. The jury-less case was brought under a state law, with Judge Arthur Engoron expected to announce the verdict by the end of this month. The judge has already ruled that Trump and other defendants engaged in fraud for years, but that ruling is being appealed. Engoron fined Trump for violating a gag order during the trial, which barred all participants from commenting publicly on the judge's staff. Trump's legal team is appealing the gag order.