By Michael R. Sisak | Associated Press
NEW YORK — Donald Trump’s lawyers told a New York appellate court Wednesday that he’s prepared to post a $100 million bond to halt collection of his staggering civil fraud penalty, arguing that provisions of the verdict make it impossible for the former president to secure a bond for the full amount.
Trump’s lawyers floated the offer in court papers asking the state’s mid-level appeals court for an order preventing New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office from enforcing the $454 million judgment while his appeal plays out. Trump would have to post the full amount to pause collection automatically.
The appeals court was expected to hear arguments at an emergency hearing Wednesday.
Trump’s lawyers argued that a provision in Judge Arthur Engoron’s Feb. 16 ruling banning Trump, his company, and co-defendants from obtaining loans from New York banks for three years prevents them from obtaining a bond covering the full judgment. In all, Trump and his co-defendants owe more than $465 million.
“The exorbitant and punitive amount of the judgment coupled with an unlawful and unconstitutional blanket prohibition on lending transactions would make it impossible to secure and post a complete bond,” Trump lawyers Clifford Robert, Alina Habba and Michael Farina wrote.
James’ office opposes Trump’s plan, saying his lawyers have all but conceded he has “insufficient liquid assets to satisfy the judgment.”
“These are precisely the circumstances for which a full bond or deposit is necessary,” Senior Assistant Solicitor General Dennis Fan wrote, saying Trump’s offer would leave James’ office and the state “with substantial shortfalls” if the verdict is upheld.
“A prevailing plaintiff is entitled to have her award secured, and defendants have never demonstrated that Mr. Trump’s liquid assets could satisfy the full amount of the judgment,” Fan wrote.James, a Democrat, has said that she…
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