In New York, a judge has recently issued a ruling against former President Donald Trump and his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, holding them accountable for fraud connected to the exaggerated valuations of their family businesses.
The legal action, initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, claims that the Trumps distorted these values with the intention of obtaining more favorable agreements from financial institutions and insurers.
Wonderwall reported on December 11, 2023, that the judge, Arthur Engoron, stated that the Trumps provided false financial statements for approximately a decade, dismissing their claims that disclaimers in the statements should absolve them from fraud.
Engoron not only held them liable for fraud but also canceled the business certifications of the Trump entities involved, including the Trump Organization
New York Attorney General Letitia James, seeking $250 million in damages and a ban on the Trumps serving as business officers in New York, hailed the ruling as a “major victory” for the rule of law.
She asserted that the decision validated her claims that the Trumps deceived financial institutions, insurers, and the government, causing the state to lose millions in taxes
Trump, denying any wrongdoing, criticized the ruling on social media, labeling it an unfair and un-American attack on his reputable company.
He vowed to appeal to the highest courts in New York or the federal system.
The news has triggered varied reactions from celebrities.
Roseanne Barr, known for her controversial past, sarcastically tweeted about arresting Trump for Mar-a-Lago’s garden hose usage.
Donald Trump Jr. mocked the judge’s valuation of Mar-a-Lago on Twitter, expressing disbelief at its assessed worth of $18 million
Whoopi Goldberg, a vocal Trump critic, commented on “The View” with skepticism about Trump’s denial amid the charges.
Actor Billy Baldwin contrasted Trump’s fraud with President Joe Biden’s focus on working-class families and unions.
Eric Trump, in an Instagram post, voiced his loss of faith in the New York legal system, accusing the judge and the attorney general of a coordinated effort to destroy his father’s life and achievements.
He disputed the valuation of Mar-a-Lago, claiming it to be worth well over a billion dollars.
Alyssa Farah Griffin, former White House Director of Strategic Communications for Trump, asserted on “The View” that New Yorkers always suspected Trump as a fraud, emphasizing the stark terms of the ruling. She highlighted the alleged 2,300% inflation of Mar-a-Lago’s value.
Filmmaker and activist Michael Moore took to Twitter, calling Trump a “fraud” and a “scam artist” who takes from the public, workers, students, lawyers, associates, and followers in donations.
The diverse celebrity reactions underscore the polarizing impact of the ruling on Trump’s legacy and business empire.
