"Trump Faces Fraud Trial in New York, Found Liable for Defrauding Banks and Insurers"
A New York judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump fraudulently inflated the value of his assets to secure favorable loans and insurance deals, a major blow to Trump's defense in a civil case brought by the New York attorney general. The judge's decision paves the way for the trial to proceed, with the attorney general seeking a penalty of approximately $250 million. The judge criticized Trump's defenses and levied sanctions on his lawyers for making previously rejected arguments. Trump still has the opportunity to delay the trial or challenge the case further. The attorney general's lawsuit accuses Trump of "staggering" fraud in representing the value of his properties, seeking a fine and to remove the Trump family from leading the Trump Organization.