Trump fails to secure bond for $454 million judgment in civil fraud case

Donald Trump's efforts to secure a bond to cover a $454 million judgment in a New York civil fraud case has been rejected by 30 surety companies, his lawyers said on Monday, inching him closer to the possibility of having his properties seized.

The former president must either pay the sum out of his pocket or post a bond to stave off the state's seizure while he appeals Justice Arthur Engoron's February 16 judgment against him for misstating property values to dupe lenders and insurers.

Trump, two of his adult children and other Trump Organization executives had so far approached the 30 companies through four separate brokers without success, his lawyers said. The other defendants face judgments totaling $10 million.

A bonding company would be on the hook for any payout if Trump loses his appeal and proves unable to pay.

The case, brought by New York State Attorney General Letitia James in September 2022, is one of several legal travails the businessman-turned-Republican candidate faces as he seeks a November 5 election rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden.

Trump, 77, has denied wrongdoing and vowed to appeal the judgment, which threatens his family's real estate empire.

He must post cash or a bond within 30 days of Engoron's formal entry of the order on February 23 or risk the state seizing some of the Trump Organization's assets to ensure James can collect. Thirty days end on March 25.

In a court filing on Monday, Trump's lawyers urged a mid-level state appeals court to delay enforcement of the judgment, arguing the amount was excessive. It was unclear when the court, known as the Appellate Division, would rule.

(Cover: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures towards the crowd at a campaign rally March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio, U.S. /CFP)