Rather than spend a day in court, former President Donald Trump’s lawyers and New York State lawyers reached a quick agreement about the status of the $175 million bond posted by Trump to prevent the state of New York from seizing his assets during an appeal of his civil trial.
Court Hearing Avoided
During a short recess, the attorneys crafted an agreement about the status of the bond, thereby averting a day in court on the matter. Trump is currently committed daily to a criminal trial in Manhattan from which he would need to request leave, and for which the judge is unlikely to grant him an absence.
Bond Details
Currently, the $175 million bond is in a cash account and is gaining interest. In this scenario, the sum has already increased by $700,000, and there is no downside risk to the bond money while sitting in the cash account.
Fraud Allegations
The bond applies to a civil judgment that Trump is currently appealing. The civil case was brought by the Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James, who claimed that Trump had made fraudulent claims on financial statements in order to deceive banks and insurers.
Trump’s Denial
Trump has claimed since the beginning of the trial that the prosecution is politically motivated and intended to damage his chances of winning the Presidency in 2024. Trump has denied all wrongdoing and continues to appeal this civil judgment and all other court cases in which he is currently embroiled.
Judge’s Involvement
The judge in the civil case who entered the judgment, Judge Arthur Engoron, expressed doubt to Trump’s lawyer that the bond would be liquid and accessible at the time collection might be required if Trump’s appeal is denied.
Lawyer’s Defense
After Judge Engoran asserted some scenarios in which Trump’s bond may lose value or not be available in full to pay the $175 million bond at the time of collection, Trump’s lawyer Christopher Kise rebutted Judge Engorans concerns by stating that the judge was presenting “hypotheticals” that are “wildly speculative.”
Kise Expresses Letitia James Never Satisfied
Additionally, Kise expressed that Letitia James would likely never be satisfied and would find fault with any measure undertaken by the Trump team to show good faith in posting the bond.
Knight Specialty Insurance Company Holds Cash Account
In approaching a settlement to the debate between Trump and the State, Knight Specialty Insurance Company, a relatively small firm involved in raising money for the bond, agreed to keep the $175 million in cash to control the risk to the sum and ensure its liquidity in full if Trump is unsuccessful in his appeal.
Financial Misunderstandings
Alina Habba, the attorney for Trump’s criminal trial, spoke to reporters outside of the courtroom and lobbied criticism at Judge Engoron for not understanding the “basic principles of finance.”
Trump Questions Judge’s Financial Understanding
Along with Habba, Trump also spoke to reporters accusing Judge Engoron of ignorance regarding the financial mechanics and reliability of the bonding company.
Security Measures
The agreement reached between parties ensures New York state that the money will be there in full when required, if Trump loses his appeal. Knight Insurance Group will manage the cash account in accordance with the state’s requirements.
Legal Strategy
The settlement does not impact the scope of the underlying case at hand, but it will quell the concern of the Attorney General that the bond will be good for the judgment amount if called upon.
Broader Implications
While this case may take a back seat for a while as the criminal cases against Donald Trump commence, this civil case still commands a large financial investment from Trump’s resources and is far from over.
