New York Appeals Court Voids $500M Trump Fraud Fine

A New York appeals court has overturned the massive civil fraud penalty against President Donald Trump, ruling that the nearly half-billion-dollar fine was excessive and violated the Eighth Amendment. The penalty, initially imposed by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron for inflating Trump’s net worth to secure favorable loan terms, was reduced from over $550 million including interest to being dismissed as excessive. While the court upheld the ruling that Trump committed fraud, other penalties on the Trump Organization remain in place, with the case potentially heading to New York’s highest court on appeal by Attorney General Letitia James. Trump hailed the decision as a "total victory" and denounced the case as a politically motivated witch hunt intended to interfere with his 2024 presidential election campaign. He also criticized Judge Engoron and AG Letitia James, accusing them of corruption and political bias. The ruling has significant implications for Trump’s business operations and ongoing legal battles in New York.