#Donaldtrump #newyork

In a dramatic turn of events, lawyers in New York state have upped their penalty request to over $370 million in Donald Trump‘s civil business fraud trial. Responding defiantly, Trump stated, “They should pay me,” as both sides filed court papers ahead of next week’s closing arguments. The trial, accusing the former president of inflating his net worth to deceive banks and insurers, carries significant implications, potentially barring him from conducting business in the state.

The civil lawsuit takes center stage as Trump concurrently faces four criminal cases, adding to the complexity of his legal battles. New York Attorney General Letitia James seeks a substantial penalty increase from the initial $250 million to $370 million, citing windfalls from wrongdoing, including profits from property sales and savings on interest rates.

Trump’s response to the proposed penalty was emphatic, calling it “a disgrace” during a campaign stop and asserting there were no victims or damages. The case revolves around allegations of Trump and his company inflating asset values, with the state arguing that the deceptive schemes employed were intended to defraud.

As the trial heads toward its conclusion, the stakes are high for Trump, with potential ramifications on both his financial standing and political aspirations. The closing arguments on Thursday will be a crucial opportunity for state and defense lawyers to make their final case, with Trump expected to attend.

Amid the legal proceedings, Trump has portrayed the case as a political maneuver by Democrats, claiming abuse of the legal system to hinder his potential return to the White House. The trial’s outcome, in the hands of Judge Arthur Engoron, is eagerly awaited, with a decision expected by the end of the month.

In a separate development, Trump’s legal team is appealing a gag order fine of $15,000 imposed during the trial, adding another layer of complexity to the already intense courtroom drama.