Monday, March 25 was the deadline for former President Donald Trump to fork over the massive $454 million judgment bond so that he could file an appeal against the decision in his civil fraud case. Instead, an appeals court in New York has slashed the bond to $175 million, which Trump must pay within 10 days.
The ruling is a blow to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was geared up to begin seizing Trump’s assets. If Trump puts up the $175 million before the 10-day deadline passes, James will be unable to go after Trump’s New York assets until the appeal is resolved.
Several additional penalties imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron have also now been placed on hold. Shortly after the appeals court decision, Trump signaled that he will abide by the ruling and “post either a bond, equivalent securities, or cash.”
In remarks to the media shortly after the ruling, Trump claimed the legal moves against him were all about election interference run by “Biden and his thugs.”