Donald Trump fined $355m in civil fraud case

The court has instructed Donald Trump and his companies to pay nearly 355 million dollars in relation to civil fraud. The former US president is also prohibited from conducting business activity in New York for three years.

Judge Arthur Engoron found Trump guilty of fraud, conspiracy, and issuing false financial reports and business records. Although the judge refrained from completely dissolving the Trump Organization, he issued a 93-page opinion where he painted Trump as an unscrupulous individual. The judge additionally stated that it is highly likely Trump will commit fraud again.

During the election rally in Michigan, Donald Trump addressed the verdict, claiming that the decision was "interference in the election". "Perhaps you read about the judgment in New York yesterday. An unjust judge," Trump commented, referring to Friday's ruling. He further stated that Judge Engoron was part of a "leftist" conspiracy purposely designed to prevent him from reclaiming the presidency.

"This appalling misuse of power is not only an attack on me but an attack on all Americans," the Republican candidate told the gathered crowd.

At a meeting with Michigan residents, he emphasized again that his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election was due to "election fraud".

Michigan is a decisive state that could determine the result of the elections in November. This year, Michigan's Republicans are allocating their presidential candidates at both the primary on February 27 and the election on March 2.

Trump is also entangled in four state and federal criminal lawsuits, one of which is set to commence in New York on March 25, relating to alleged secret payments to a porn star. Consequently, Trump is poised to become the first-ever former US president to face court on a criminal charge.

Sources: Reuters, Politico