Staff Reporter
A divided New York appeals court on Thursday overturned a half-billion-dollar judgment against President Donald Trump, easing a major financial burden while keeping the fraud case intact. This unexpected decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the president and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Story Highlights:
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Appeals court throws out $500M penalty but upholds fraud ruling.
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Trump hails decision as a “victory” on social media.
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Case returns to New York’s highest court for further appeal.
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Judges deeply divided, with no clear majority opinion.
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Attorney General Letitia James faces major legal setback.
Court Ruling: Partial Win for Trump
The court’s decision eliminates the enormous financial penalty imposed on Trump but stops short of clearing him entirely. Justice Peter Moulton, writing for the panel, stated:
“While harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half billion-dollar award to the state.”
The five-judge panel displayed deep divisions, with lengthy and complex opinions reflecting their disagreements. The ruling provides Trump an opportunity to take his case to New York’s Court of Appeals, the state’s highest judicial authority.
Impact on Letitia James and Trump’s Response
The decision represents a major setback for Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the case in 2022, accusing Trump and his real estate company of inflating net worth to secure favorable loans. The original judgment, reached after a monthslong trial, declared Trump liable for fraud, challenging the mogul image that fueled his political rise.
Trump responded on social media, declaring victory and praising the court for having “the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision.”
Alina Habba, Trump’s former attorney and now a top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, said the ruling confirmed their stance:
“The attorney general’s case was politically motivated, legally baseless and grossly excessive.”
Judicial Split and Next Steps
Despite Trump’s claims of victory, the fraud finding remains intact, and the case is far from over. Judges were sharply divided:
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Justice Moulton and Chief Judge Dianne Renwick upheld the fraud finding but wiped out the penalty.
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Justice David Friedman wanted the entire case dismissed, arguing James lacked authority.
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Judges John Higgitt and Llinet Rosado allowed the fraud judgment to stand but suggested Trump deserved a new trial, stating that “a remarkable situation has necessitated a remarkable solution.”
The case will now proceed to the state’s highest court, extending a legal battle that has become one of the most politically charged cases in recent history.
Political Tensions and Ongoing Investigations
The case has fueled deep animosity between Trump and James. Trump’s Justice Department has launched inquiries into James, including a criminal investigation into her personal real estate dealings and a civil rights review of her office’s conduct during the Trump probe.
Representatives for Letitia James have yet to comment on the latest ruling.
The New York appeals court’s decision to overturn the $500 million judgment while upholding the fraud ruling signals a partial victory for Trump but leaves significant legal uncertainty ahead. With the case now heading to New York’s highest court, the battle is far from over. For Attorney General Letitia James, the ruling is a setback in what was once a landmark victory, while for Trump, it removes a massive financial threat but keeps the stigma of fraud intact. The coming months will determine whether this ruling marks the beginning of Trump’s ultimate legal vindication or a prolonged chapter in his contentious legal fight.
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