Fact Check: "The Trump Organization has faced multiple legal judgments totaling over 600 million."
What We Know
The claim that the Trump Organization has faced legal judgments totaling over $600 million is rooted in recent civil cases adjudicated in New York. On February 16, 2024, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that a judge ordered Donald Trump and his co-defendants to pay more than $450 million due to fraudulent business practices, which includes $363.8 million in disgorgement and pre-judgment interest (Letitia James - New York State Attorney General). Additionally, a separate civil judgment ordered Trump to pay $83 million for defamation against writer E. Jean Carroll (NPR).
When these amounts are combined, they exceed $600 million, especially when considering that the total penalties will continue to accrue interest until paid (NPR).
Analysis
The claim is partially true as it accurately reflects the total of the judgments against Trump, but it requires context regarding the nature of these judgments. The $450 million judgment stems from a civil fraud case, while the $83 million judgment is related to a defamation case. Both judgments are significant and reflect serious legal findings against Trump and his organization.
However, it's important to note that while the total amount exceeds $600 million, Trump has not yet paid these judgments, and he is currently appealing both cases (AP News, NPR). The legal landscape is complex, and the actual financial impact on Trump may evolve as appeals progress and interest continues to accrue.
The sources cited are credible, with the Attorney General's office being a primary source of the information regarding the fraud judgment, and NPR providing a comprehensive overview of the financial implications of these legal rulings. However, as with any legal matter, the final outcomes can be subject to change based on ongoing appeals and legal strategies employed by Trump and his legal team.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Trump Organization has faced multiple legal judgments totaling over 600 million" is partially true. While the total of the judgments indeed exceeds $600 million, it is crucial to understand that these amounts are tied to ongoing legal proceedings and appeals. The situation is fluid, and the final financial obligations may change depending on the outcomes of these appeals.
Sources
- Letitia James - New York State Attorney General
- How will Trump pay legal penalties in fraud, Carroll cases?
- Trump's Finances Were Shaky. Then He Began to ...
- New York business fraud lawsuit against the Trump ...
- Donald Trump civil fraud case: $454 million judgment is finalized ...
- Trump civil fraud case: Court gives him 10 days to put up $175M | AP News
- Trump faces some half a billion dollars in legal penalties. How will he ...
