The Blubber

Donald Trump is being forced to pay the fine of $300 million in his civil fraud trial and bars him from running business in New York state for three years.

Judge Arthur Engoron has ordered former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization to pay over $354 million in damages. The ruling also prohibits Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or other legal entity for three years, including his namesake company.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office brought the case, stated that with pre-judgment interest, the total judgment exceeds $450 million, with the amount increasing daily until paid.

James hailed the ruling as a victory for accountability, stating that it demonstrates that nobody, regardless of status, is above the law. The judgment also prohibits Trump and his company from seeking any bank loans for three years.

Trump has vowed to appeal the ruling, stating, "We'll appeal, and we'll be successful." At Mar-a-Lago, he criticized the decision, calling it a "fine of 350 million for doing a perfect job." He also attacked the judge and attorney general, labeling them as "crooked" and "corrupt," respectively.

The ruling could significantly impact Trump's finances and public image, as he has built his brand on being a successful businessman. Trump, who is currently running for president for a third time, faces multiple legal challenges, including four pending criminal trials.

The judge has also appointed an Independent Monitor and ordered the installation of an Independent Director of Compliance for the Trump Organization. During the trial, Trump and his company executives, including his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, tried to shift blame for the exaggerated financial statements underlying the fraud case onto the accountants who prepared them, a defense that Engoron rejected.