The fate of Donald Trump’s family business hangs in the balance as a New York judge prepares to announce a verdict in his civil fraud trial, expected on Friday.
The former president, along with his adult sons and his company bearing his name, have been found responsible for artificially inflating asset values in communications with lenders, a charge widely seen as politically motivated.
Prosecutors are seeking a $370 million fine against Trump and limitations on his business activities within the state.
This hefty penalty, along with the potential impact on his real estate empire, could significantly dent Trump’s finances, according to legal experts.
Trump has denied fraud allegations, arguing that banks profited from his investments. He plans to appeal the verdict, potentially delaying the outcome as higher courts review the case.
However, to prevent immediate payment or asset seizure during the appeal process, Trump must deposit the entire fine with the court within 30 days.
While a $370 million penalty constitutes a substantial amount, it represents roughly 15-18% of Trump’s estimated net worth, which Forbes pegs at $2.6 billion.
Apart from this looming penalty, Trump faces an $83.3 million defamation payout from a separate lawsuit and mounting legal fees from four ongoing criminal cases.
To avoid paying the full fine upfront, Trump could pursue a bond, but this option would incur additional costs and require collateral.
Alternatively, he may sell assets to raise cash, given that much of his wealth is tied up in real estate holdings across the country.
Another avenue could involve soliciting funds from his extensive supporter base, leveraging his political action committees to cover legal expenses. However, raising such a substantial sum in a short time frame poses logistical challenges.
Regardless of the payment method, a significant penalty is likely to strain Trump’s finances and reshape his business landscape, underscoring the financial implications of his legal battles.
