USA. The court imposed a penalty on Donald Trump. The former president must pay over $350 million

Donald Trump has been ordered by a New York court to pay a fine of $354.9 million. This decision was made regarding allegations that the former president inflated the value of his assets to gain advantages. It marks another unfavorable verdict for Trump. On Thursday, the court, in a criminal case, decided to reject the motion to dismiss the case.

New York State Judge Arthur Engoron imposed a fine of $354.9 million on Donald Trump, as reported by Reuters.

The civil lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James pertained to the former president's company. It involved inflating the net worth of the company—up to $3.6 billion annually over a decade—to deceive the financial sector regarding loans.

Trump denied all allegations and called the case a political vendetta by James. According to Reuters, the former president is likely to appeal this ruling.

The fraud case could be a significant blow to Trump. The court also barred the former president from serving as a director of any New York company for three years.

The USA. Court rejects Donald Trump's motion

This isn't the only recent unfavorable verdict for Trump. On Thursday, a court in a criminal case against Trump rejected the motion to dismiss 34 charges and scheduled the first hearing for March 25. Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, stated that continuing the proceedings is "a great injustice" and "an attempt to interfere with elections".

The former US president stated that the proceedings should have taken place three years ago. He added that the real purpose now is to harm his chances in the presidential elections.

The criminal case, in which official charges were filed against Trump in April 2023, pertains to alleged falsification of business documents—checks for fictitious legal services.

According to investigators, the checks Trump wrote to his former lawyer Michael Cohen were actually reimbursement for the amount paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. She was supposed to receive $130,000 (524,000 Polish zlotys) for her silence regarding her alleged affair with Trump.