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New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken the first steps towards seizing President Donald Trump’s assets to enforce a judgment against him. His attorneys report he has been unable to secure a bond.
The judgment is the result of a civil case filed against Trump in New York state, which alleges he committed fraud by overstating the values of his real estate assets to secure loans.
In February, Judge Arthur Engoron assessed damages of $354.9 million against Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization. As he pursues an appeal of the case, Trump has been ordered to post an approximate $454 million bond, representing the amount of the judgment plus interest.
The move by James is the first step towards collecting on the judgment levied against Trump by Engoron. James has filed the judgment with the clerk of Westchester County, New York. Westchester is the county in which Trump’s sprawling 370-acre Seven Springs estate is located.
The private estate was purchased in 1996 and includes a 50,000-square-foot home that has served as a private retreat for Trump and his family. Trump’s Westchester County property also includes the Trump National Golf Club, which consists of 140 acres, an 18-hole golf course, and a 75,000-square-foot clubhouse.
As James’s March 25 deadline approaches, Trump’s attorneys have reported that more than 30 firms have declined to secure a bond in the case. James’s Westchester County filings indicate that she is ready to move forward with seizing Trump’s highly valuable assets as he continues to fight the verdict and proceed with an appeal.