This is not a good sign for Trump.
Alina Habba, a legal representative for former President Trump, expressed skepticism regarding the forthcoming verdict in the New York civil fraud trial against her client. In an interview with Newsmax on Wednesday, Habba conveyed her anticipation of an unfavorable outcome for Trump, suggesting a readiness to file an appeal promptly if feasible. She conveyed a lack of surprise concerning the impending decision, indicating her intention to vocally contest it following its announcement, albeit without optimistic expectations.
The legal battle stems from a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2022, alleging that Trump manipulated financial documents to inflate his net worth, thereby securing tax and insurance benefits for properties under the Trump Organization’s umbrella. While James argues this constitutes fraudulent activity, Trump maintains his innocence, denying any wrongdoing.
Following a trial lasting two months, featuring testimony from a multitude of witnesses including Trump’s former associates and family members, Judge Arthur Engoron has already ruled in favor of fraud having been committed within Trump’s real estate empire. The impending decision on penalties, expected to be delivered on Friday, carries significant weight, with sources familiar with the matter indicating a potential $370 million financial sanction, along with a proposed lifetime ban from New York’s real estate sector at the behest of Attorney General James.
However, Trump’s supporters, led by Representative Elise Stefanik, have raised concerns about potential bias within the legal proceedings, alleging political motivations behind Judge Engoron’s rulings and ethical breaches in James’ prosecution efforts. Stefanik has taken action by filing formal complaints against both parties involved.
Habba echoed these sentiments, lamenting what she perceives as systemic corruption within New York’s legal apparatus and attributing it, in part, to what she terms “Trump derangement syndrome.” This sentiment underscores a broader narrative among Trump’s allies, suggesting a perceived bias against the former president that undermines the impartiality of the legal process.