New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a stern warning to former President Donald Trump, signaling that her office will pursue his assets, including his iconic Manhattan skyscraper, 40 Wall Street, if he fails to pay a hefty $355 million fine. The legal battle escalated on Friday when Judge Arthur Engoron ruled against Trump, ordering him to pay the substantial fine and imposing a three-year ban on conducting business in New York.
The judgment stemmed from a lawsuit filed by James in September 2022, accusing Trump of business fraud. Despite the verdict, Trump maintains his innocence, dismissing the case as politically motivated, particularly given his status as the frontrunner for the GOP in the 2024 presidential race.
In an interview with ABC News’ Aaron Katersky released on Tuesday, James reaffirmed her commitment to holding Trump accountable for the fine. She asserted, “If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court, and we will ask the judge to seize his assets.”
While James remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice, Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, indicated that the former president plans to appeal Engoron’s ruling. Kise expressed confidence in the appellate process, asserting that Trump believes the Appellate Division will rectify what he described as “innumerable and catastrophic errors” made by the trial court.
The legal showdown between James and Trump underscores the ongoing tensions between the former president and New York authorities. With financial stakes on the line, both sides are gearing up for a protracted legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s business empire.
The focal point of James’ pursuit, Trump’s Manhattan skyscraper at 40 Wall Street, represents a symbolic battleground in the larger conflict. As one of Trump’s most iconic properties, its potential seizure would mark a blow to his financial interests and reputation.
However, Trump remains defiant in the face of legal challenges, maintaining his innocence and vowing to fight the judgment against him. With the specter of the 2024 presidential race looming in the background, the legal proceedings take on added significance, further fueling speculation and controversy surrounding Trump’s legal troubles.
