© Thomas P. Costello / USA TODAY NETWORK + © Mark Lungariello/The Journal News
Trump and James have engaged in an extended war or words
(New York, NY) – Former President Trump is once again under a gag order surrounding his civil fraud trial in New York. After an appellate judge lifted the gag order two weeks ago, a New York appeals court has reinstated it. The order was originally put into place by New York Judge Arthur Engoron, after Trump accused him and his law clerk of exhibiting bias.
The trial stems from New York Attorney General Tish James’ claim that Trump and the Trump Organization inflated the value of their real estate holdings illegally, so as to secure better terms from lenders and insurance companies. She is seeking a $250 million fine and the dissolution of the Trump Organization’s New York business license.
Trump maintains the entire proceedings are a political witch hunt against him. He’s noted that AG James campaigned that she would “get Trump.” Trump has also pointed out that no banks accuse him of failing to repay loans, so there is no apparent victim in the situation. He also says the court has severely undervalued his properties, rather than rely on real estate experts who understand market-based valuation.
