A judge says Trump is liable for fraud in New York civil lawsuit

A judge in New York has ordered that former President Donald Trump, his eldest sons and his business associates committed fraud.

Judge Arthur Engoron issued an order Tuesday granting partial summary judgment in the lawsuit filed by New York's Democratic Attorney General Letitia James.

After a three-year investigation, James filed this lawsuit last September claiming Trump and his executive team engaged in fraudulent business practices including inflating the value of Trump's business and the market value of his real estate holdings in New York state and in Florida.

Engoron agreed that Trump and his associates exaggerated the former president's net worth in order to complete deals and receive more financing.

As part of his decision, Engoron ordered the business licenses of the defendants to be canceled in New York — making it potentially difficult for them to continue working in the state. He also ordered the continuation of an independent monitor to oversee the Trump Organization.

Though Judge Engoron ruled on some of the major elements of James' suit against Trump and his associates, there remain six other claims that will be argued at trial.

The first day of James' civil trial is set to begin on Monday, barring any delays.

James is still seeking roughly $250 million in penalties. [Copyright 2023 NPR]