New York Attorney General Letitia James has requested a $370 million penalty in the civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump, surpassing the initial estimate of $250 million. In a filing on Friday, James asserted that evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Trump had gained the higher amount through unlawful conduct.
Trump, along with his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, was previously found liable for inflating their net worth to receive preferential treatment from financial institutions and insurers in a summary judgment in October. The ongoing trial is focused on determining penalties for Trump and his sons, with James initially seeking a $250 million penalty and a ban on Trump practicing business in New York.
While both sides are yet to deliver closing arguments next week, James’s post-trial filing referred to evidence already presented. Trump’s attorneys have not responded to James’s request, but in their own post-trial filing, they argued that the Attorney General had failed to prove her case and is not entitled to any relief.
The trial, used by Trump as a campaign tool, has led to a partial gag order being imposed on him due to his behavior. James, Judge Arthur Engoron, and courthouse staff have faced attacks and threats from Trump and his supporters. Observers note that, despite being a civil trial, Trump’s business empire remains a matter of significant importance to him, explaining his consistent courtroom presence even when attendance is not required.
