A New York appeals court has tossed out a massive civil fraud penalty of around $500 million against former President Donald Trump, marking a significant legal victory for him amid ongoing controversies.
The penalty was linked to claims from New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accused Trump of inflating his wealth in financial documents, but judges deemed the fine excessive and unconstitutional.
While the court upheld the ruling that Trump had engaged in fraudulent practices, the drastic reduction of the penalty has boosted his estimated net worth by half a billion dollars.
Trump heralded the court's decision as a “total victory,” dismissing the original lawsuit as a politically charged attack intended to undermine his reputation.
However, certain restrictions remain in place, preventing Trump and his two eldest sons from assuming corporate leadership roles for a stipulated duration.
This ruling not only highlights ongoing tensions in Trump’s legal battles but also underscores the polarized political landscape, with the case reflecting broader debates about accountability and justice in high-profile figures.