A New York appellate court on Wednesday threw out the $500 million civil fraud penalty levied against President Donald Trump, ruling the massive fine was an “excessive” punishment that violated the Eighth Amendment.
The Appellate Division ruling leaves intact findings that Trump and his company engaged in fraud but eliminates the disgorgement order of $364 million plus interest — which had ballooned to roughly half a billion dollars.
Five justices unanimously agreed that Attorney General Letitia James acted within her authority and that some injunctive relief was warranted. But they concluded the financial penalty went too far.
Trump Declares “Total Victory”
Trump immediately celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, calling it a vindication:
“TOTAL VICTORY in the FAKE New York State Attorney General Letitia James Case! … The Court had the Courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful Decision that was hurting Business all throughout New York State.”
He again labeled the case a “political witch hunt” and said it was designed to interfere with his 2024 campaign.
Judge Friedman’s Partial Dissent
While most of the panel upheld liability, Justice