Former Whitewater independent counsel Sol Wisenberg joined American Report on Tuesday to discuss the verdict against former President Trump in the New York civil fraud case. Weisenberg said there were “real constitutional issues” with the $355 million fine and explained why he believed Trump’s lawyers could successfully appeal the ruling.
President Trump visits Manhattan courtroom to denounce NYAG lawsuit, praises appellate ruling in his favor
Sol Wisenberg: So, let me do it like this. I know I’m no expert on New York state civil fraud law, but it seems like there are constitutional issues with a $355 million judgment when there was no victim or economic loss whatsoever. I think so. I think there is a ripe debate. You have a claim for a substantial due process violation. However, the question is whether this was preserved in court. I don’t know, but considering the judge’s findings, it seems like an exorbitant amount considering there are no victims or financial losses…
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 13: Judge Arthur Engoron presides over the civil fraud trial of former President Donald Trump and his children in New York State Supreme Court in New York City on November 13, 2023. ((Photo by: Erin Schaff Pool/Getty Images))
I think the bigger message is to send a message to specific companies and managers. If you’re a radical conservative, or if you’ve forgotten what your politics are and end up offending or insulting whatever the current woke orthodoxy is; What will happen to you? Remember, there was no jury here.And the judge shouts in his opinion about this, judge Engoron says: New York law does not require a jury, but this is based on a 2011 opinion that says a jury is not necessary because it is an equitable remedy. That means we are not and the monetary damages are incidental. But that’s not what happened here. Financial damages were $355 million. In other words, the law is ignored. And I think they have a potential constitutional argument here as well, a very strong argument, if they raise it properly in court.
in Decision on page 92New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron said Trump and the defendants committed “persistent and repeated acts of fraud,” “falsified business records,” “issued false financial statements,” and “failed to falsify financial statements.” “collusion”, “insurance fraud,” and “collusion to commit insurance fraud.”
In his ruling, Engoron took time to criticize Trump and his participation in the trial, saying, “Trump rarely answered questions and frequently gave long, unrelated speeches on issues far beyond the scope of the trial.” “I got caught,” he said.
During his trial late last year, Mr. Trump and his allies repeatedly criticized Mr. Engoron. Donated exclusively to the Democratic Party — Regarding his handling of the case.
Trump said in November: “There should be no litigation here because there is a immunity clause that every court except this one has upheld.” Trump added of James: “They’re trying to hurt me, especially her, for her politics.”
FOX News’ Thomas Catenacci contributed to this report.
