Former President Donald Trump has asked a New York appeals court to pause his ongoing trial and overturn a ruling that found him liable for fraud and ordered the dissolution of his business certificates. The defendants in the case, including Trump and his company, have requested the court to pause the trial while the appeal takes place.
Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling, issued on September 26, found that Trump and his company committed fraud by misstating the value of their assets. The ruling also ordered the cancellation of business certificates held by Trump and his co-defendants, which could potentially lead to the closure of Trump's company in New York. Trump's attorneys argue that this order will cause severe harm to Trump, his associates, and innocent nonparties and employees who rely on the affected entities for their livelihoods.
Trump's attorneys also raised concerns about the statute of limitations in the case, which only allows the court to judge misconduct starting in 2014. However, Engoron ruled that evidence from before 2014 can be used to prove fraud within the statute of limitations, a decision that Trump and his legal team oppose.
While Engoron found Trump liable for fraud, the ongoing trial is considering other allegations such as insurance fraud and falsification of business records. The trial will also determine whether Trump intentionally committed fraud and any further penalties that should be imposed.
The New York Attorney General's office opposes delaying the trial, arguing that it would undermine the fair and orderly administration of justice. They have offered to discuss delaying the cancellation of business certificates until after the trial is over.
It remains unclear how long it will take for the appeals court to rule. The trial is scheduled to continue until late December. In addition to the cancellation of business certificates, the Attorney General's office is seeking a $250 million fine and other penalties against Trump and his sons.
The full scope of the ruling ordering the cancellation of Trump's business certificates is still uncertain. It is expected to primarily affect Trump's business operations in New York but could potentially involve further litigation and impact properties outside of New York.
This case stems from a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General's office in 2022, alleging that Trump made false statements about the value of his assets for personal gain. Trump has vehemently denied the allegations, arguing that the valuations were subjective and based on his real estate expertise. Engoron's ruling supported the Attorney General's claims and sanctioned several of Trump's attorneys.