Former U.S. President Donald Trump has lost his bid to delay a criminal trial related to hush money payments made to a porn star, but won a pause in a separate civil fraud case involving a $454 million judgment. The criminal trial, set for April 15, revolves around allegations that Trump falsified business records in connection to a payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged sexual encounter. Despite objections from Trump’s lawyers, the judge ruled in favor of proceeding with the trial, making it likely that a verdict will be reached before the U.S. election on Nov. 5, where Trump hopes to unseat Democratic President Joe Biden.
In addition to the criminal case, Trump is facing two other indictments related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his handling of classified documents upon leaving office. Legal delays have pushed back the trials for all three cases. Trump has pleaded not guilty in all four criminal cases. The judge also denied Trump’s bid to dismiss the felony indictment, which included new evidence such as statements Daniels made to the FBI. This ruling sets the stage for a potentially contentious legal battle leading up to the election.
Meanwhile, in the civil case, a state appeals court granted a pause in the enforcement of a $454 million fraud judgment against Trump on the condition that he posts a $175 million bond within 10 days. This decision provides Trump with some financial relief as he faces mounting legal costs and a cash crunch. The judgment, issued by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump fraudulently inflated his net worth to deceive lenders and insurers. The appeals process could take up to a year or longer, allowing Trump to retain ownership of his properties if he posts the bond.
Trump had previously been unsuccessful in securing a bond, facing rejections from 30 surety companies and increasing legal expenses. However, following the court ruling, Trump announced on social media that he would post the required bond before the deadline. The outcome of this civil case has yet to be determined, but the temporary halt in asset seizure provides Trump with breathing room as he navigates the complex legal challenges ahead. As the former president continues to maintain his innocence in all legal matters, the upcoming trials and appeals will undoubtedly shape his future political prospects and personal finances.
