After losing New York's civil fraud suit over his asset valuations, Donald Trump now owes the state a staggering $454 million, plus interest.
With a critical deadline looming on Monday, March 25, the former president must post a bond covering 120% of the judgment amount while he appeals. Failing to do so could place some of his most valuable properties and assets at risk.
Letitia James Initiates First Step to Seize Trump's Assets
New York State Supreme Court filings on Thursday by Attorney General Letitia James signal a potential escalation in the legal battle against Trump.
James's office filed judgments in Westchester County, New York, a move indicating preparation for asset seizure if Trump fails to comply with the bond requirement, according to CNN.
This step follows a previous judgment filed in Manhattan, where Trump owns several properties.
CNN reported that no steps had been taken yet in Florida, where Trump resides and possesses golf courses, or in Chicago, where he owns a hotel.
Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling earlier this year found Trump liable for approximately $355 million in penalties for fraudulent activities related to inflating asset values.
With interest, the total amount owed exceeds $464 million. Failure to meet the bond deadline could lead to swift action by James's office.
Trump's legal team has faced challenges in raising the necessary funds, with Trump himself admitting that he's running out of cash to pay for the amount. He also expressed frustration with Judge Engoron's imposition of the judgment.
Trump mentioned in Truth Social that providing the funds is "very expensive" and asserted that bonding companies find it impossible to handle such a high amount before the deadline.
Reports indicate that 30 insurers have declined to lend the money required for the bond. Trump's options appear limited as the deadline approaches.
Furthermore, Trump's attempt to appeal Engoron's judgment faces hurdles. While he can pursue an appeal without posting the bond, failure to do so could result in the sale of his properties to satisfy the judgment.
If Trump does not secure the required bond, James could move to freeze his bank accounts and seize his real estate holdings. Properties at risk of seizure include Seven Springs, a luxury estate, and Trump National Golf Club Westchester.
List of Trump's Properties at Risk
Newsweek has compiled a list of properties owned by Trump that have been flagged for having "fraudulent" and "misleading" values, putting them at risk of potential seizure. Below are the properties identified as being in jeopardy:
1. Trump Park Avenue, New York, N.Y.
2. Trump Tower, New York, N.Y.
3. 40 Wall Street, New York, N.Y.
4. Seven Springs, Westchester County, N.Y.
5. Trump International Hotel and Tower, Las Vegas, Nevada
6. Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida
7. Trump National Golf Club Westchester, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.
8. Trump National Golf Club Charlotte, Mooresville, North Carolina
9. Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck, Colts Neck, New Jersey
10. Trump National Golf Club, Washington, D.C., Sterling, Virginia
11. Trump National Golf Club Hudson Valley, Hopewell Junction, N.Y.
12. Trump National Golf Club Jupiter, Jupiter, Florida
13. Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
14. Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia, Pine Hill, New Jersey
15. Trump International Golf Links Scotland (Aberdeen)
16. Trump International Golf Links Scotland (Turnberry)
During an exclusive interview with ABC News, James stated that if Trump lacks the funds to settle the judgment, they will pursue judgment mechanisms in court and request the judge to seize his assets.
However, the enforcement of the substantial judgment would likely be complicated by the need to navigate through a maze of limited liability companies, frequent obstacles from defense attorneys, and technical challenges, according to the news outlet.
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