Jon Stewart has faced online criticism following his remarks on air regarding Donald Trump’s civil real estate case, with allegations emerging that Stewart himself engaged in similar behavior. It was revealed that Stewart’s previous home sale involved overvaluing his property, echoing the accusations he leveled against Trump.
During a segment on Monday night’s episode of “The Daily Show,” Stewart criticized experts who downplayed the impact of Trump’s civil case, citing CNN’s Laura Coates interviewing “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary. O’Leary’s comments dismissing the significance of the ruling prompted Stewart to question why there wasn’t more outrage over real-world overvaluations.
Stewart argued that inflated property values lead to a distorted financial system, where funds intended for honest evaluations are diverted to those engaging in deceitful practices. He also pointed out the fraudulent nature of undervaluing properties for tax purposes while selling them at inflated prices.
However, internet scrutiny soon uncovered discrepancies in Stewart’s own property dealings. Records revealed that Stewart’s Tribeca penthouse was sold for $17.5 million in 2014, despite its assessed market value being significantly lower, at $1.882 million. Stewart’s property taxes were based on this lower valuation, mirroring the behavior he criticized Trump for.
Critics, including political commentator Timothy Pool, accused Stewart of hypocrisy, questioning whether he committed fraud in his property sale. Some social media users even joked about potential legal consequences for Stewart in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ jurisdiction.
Did @jonstewart commit fraud when he sold his penthouse for $17.5M?
NY listed its market value at $1.8M an AV at around 800k
Who did he He defraud??
I am SHOCKED
SHOCKED pic.twitter.com/9okis96VQP
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) March 26, 2024
