Trump’s New York Fraud Case in Limbo as Prosecutors Weigh Allegations of Witness Perjury
The long-awaited verdict in Trump’s fraud trial, with potential financial impact, faces delay as the New York judge postpones the ruling on damages.
Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron has previously found Trump guilty of fraud, citing inflated real estate values used to secure loans and insurance benefits.
While Engoron had aimed to issue a ruling by January 31st, the deadline has passed, and now the case is expected to conclude by mid-February, according to Alfred Baker, a spokesperson for New York’s Office of Court Administration. The delay coincides with Manhattan prosecutors’ consideration of a possible perjury charge against Allen Weisselberg, Trump’s former chief financial officer.
Weisselberg, who previously served time for tax evasion, testified in Engoron’s trial regarding Trump’s finances, raising questions about the accuracy of his statements. Negotiations between Weisselberg’s legal team and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office are ongoing, although the outcome remains uncertain.
Trump’s Financial Future Speculated
Simultaneously, New York Attorney General Letitia James is vigorously pursuing $370 million in compensation from Trump and his associates. She is attempting to prevent Trump from conducting any business in the state in addition to this legal action.
Despite the fact that Justice Engoron had previously issued a directive to annul Trump’s business certifications, this ruling is currently awaiting further review through the appellate process.
Trump and his legal team argue against the damages, claiming that banks were ultimately repaid with interest and alleging political persecution by the Democratic attorney general and judge.
Engoron’s impending ruling follows a recent federal jury verdict that ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages to columnist E. Jean Carroll for defamation, adding further legal challenges for the former president.
As the saga unfolds, the outcome of Trump’s civil fraud trial and its implications for his financial standing remain subjects of intense scrutiny and speculation.
