New York Appeals Court considers reversing AG Letitia James’ ‘troubling’ $454 million civil fraud award against Trump

The five-judge panel heard arguments in the appeal brought forth by Trump, with his attorneys calling New York Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling "draconian, unlawful, and unconstitutional" in the appeal, according to Fox News.

D. John Sauer, who represented Trump in the hearing, said that the case "involves a clear-cut violation of the statute of limitations" and there were "no victims" and "no complaints" regarding Trump’s business from insurers and lenders. Sauer said that the transactions used in the non-jury trial dated back more than a decade.

If the verdict is not overturned, Sauer said that "people can’t do business in real estate" without fear.

Judge Peter H. Moulton questioned during the hearing whether James’ lawsuit had turned into "something it was not meant to do," adding that the "immense penalty in this case is troubling." The state had argued during the hearing that there is evidence to support the verdict.

Engoron ruled in September before the non-jury trial that Trump and the Trump Organization "committed years of fraud by exaggerating his wealth and the value of assets on financial statements he used to get loans and make deals."

Engoron had ordered in February that Trump pay $354 million, with his sons Don Jr. and Eric, as well as former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, being ordered to pay millions as well. Trump was also barred from "serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or other legal entity in New York for a period of three years."

The initial $354 million judgment against Trump has quickly increased due to interest. In March, an appeals court slashed Trump’s bond payment to $175 million. Trump has vowed to bring the case "all the way up to the US Supreme Court if necessary."