The New York civil fraud case against Donald Trump, decided on Friday, wasn’t a big surprise. The fines levied against Trump and other members of the Trump Organization — nearly $364 million — were still staggering. The decision of Judge Arthur Engoron has raised the ire of not only Trump but also many others who see it as a further unjust act of lawfare to stifle the GOP’s frontrunner in the 2024 presidential election.
Forbes estimates Trump’s networth at $2.6 billion. However, the cost to defend multiple civil and criminal lawsuits, including the E. Jean Carroll verdict, plus the fraud judgment, is staggering.
According to the New York Attorney General’s Office, Trump and his businesses could pay over $450 million in interest.
The financial penalty imposed on Trump Friday comes just a few days after he was ordered to pay an $83.3 million fine when a court ruled last month that Trump had defamed author E. Jean Carroll. Trump had previously been ordered to pay Carroll $5m last year.
Elena Cardone has created a GoFundMe account to “fund the unjust $355M judgment.” Cardone describes the fundraiser in which she explains her support for the ex-president, her disagreement with Engoron’s ruling, and the reason for raising money on his behalf. She also notes that the fund is “more than just a legal fund” and calls for all business owners and entrepreneurs in the United States to come together to defend all businesses, including the man who never hesitated in standing up for us.
“Elena Cardone is my name and I am the wife of Grant Cardone. I am also a mother, an ardent advocate of American values and a staunch supporter of justice. I stand with President Donald Trump unwaveringly in response to what I perceive as unfair and unprecedented treatment by certain judicial components in New York.”
His recent legal battles are not only an attack against him but also an attack on due process and fairness that all Americans deserve. This moment calls into question justice and law application, disproportionately targeting a voice who has been leading the charge in advocating for American security, strength, and prosperity.
By standing with Trump, you’re supporting the cause of all business owners and entrepreneurs who believe in the fight to end a system that is increasingly seeking to punish dissent and curtail our freedoms.
All business owners should be horrified by the fact that, even though the business owner never missed a payment or defaulted on a loan, he pays the loan back with interest, and has caused no financial harm to anyone. Yet, the government reaches too far and awards a $355M verdict.
Does this government seize assets? Seeking financial ruin?
This is not just a legal fund. It’s an appeal to all business owners and entrepreneurs who have never hesitated to stand up for us.
Trump’s legal team has vowed and is appealing the judgments against him. However, there is no doubt increasing legal costs. Cardone has yet to reach the stated goal, but the page currently has over $434,000.