Overview

Arthur F. Engoron is a Justice of the New York Supreme Court who presided over the landmark civil fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James against Donald Trump; the Trump Organization; and Trump's adult sons. In September 2023; before the trial even began; Engoron issued a summary judgment ruling finding Trump liable for persistent fraud; determining that Trump and his organization had systematically inflated the value of assets on financial statements by billions of dollars for over a decade to obtain favorable loan terms; insurance rates; and tax benefits. The valuations included absurd claims such as valuing Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate at up to $739 million when county assessors valued it at approximately $18-27 million; and claiming Trump's personal apartment in Trump Tower was 30;000 square feet when it was actually 10;996 square feet. After a non-jury bench trial lasting from October 2023 through January 2024; Engoron issued a 92-page ruling in February 2024 ordering Trump to pay $354.9 million in disgorgement (later increased to over $450 million with interest); barring Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years; and barring his sons Donald Jr. and Eric from similar roles for two years. Engoron also ordered the dissolution of several Trump corporate entities. Trump and his attorneys attacked Engoron throughout the trial; with Trump calling him a "rogue judge" and posting attacks on social media. Engoron imposed a gag order on Trump after Trump made a disparaging social media post about Engoron's law clerk; and fined Trump $15;000 for violating the order. Trump filed an appeal. Before the Trump case; Engoron was a relatively obscure jurist appointed to the bench in 2003 after two decades of legal practice.

Key Affiliations

Controversies & Concerns

Related Investigations (1)

Known Associates & Connections

Sources & Documentation

2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports