On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, representatives for former President Donald Trump submitted an appeal to the New York Court of Appeals seeking to overturn a $464 million civil fraud ruling related to his real estate valuations. The appeal contends that the case was flawed legally and should never have been heard. It states, "This case should have never been brought, and the judgment cannot stand."

The appeal further argues that the case involved "reams of improper statements targeting President Trump, his family, and his businesses," and that New York law was applied in an unprecedented and unlawful manner against them.

The original ruling by Justice Arthur Engoron found Trump liable for conspiring to influence his net worth, resulting in a $335 million fine and a three-year ban from serving in top roles at any New York company. Additionally, Engoron canceled Trump's business certificates, potentially forcing the sale of his properties. Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million in damages.

Trump's legal team characterized the case as politically motivated lawfare endured between his two administrations. They also noted that the only supposed victims were sophisticated banks and insurers who never claimed injury and profited over $100 million from transactions with Trump and his family.

The appeal challenges the constitutionality of the $450 million penalty and the authority of the case itself.

Sources