Updated Feb 21, 2024 - Business

N.Y. AG says she may seize Trump's assets if he can't pay $354M fine

Rebecca Falconer

Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a press conference following a verdict against former U.S. President Donald Trump in a civil fraud trial on February 16, 2024 in New York City. — New York Attorney General Letitia James during a press conference in New York City earlier this month. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

New York Attorney General Letitia James said she's ready to seize former President Trump's buildings and other assets if he can't pay the penalty imposed on him and his companies in the state's civil fraud case.

What she's saying: "If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court, and we will ask the judge to seize his assets," James told ABC News on Tuesday.

"We are prepared to make sure that the judgment is paid to New Yorkers, and yes, I look at 40 Wall Street each and every day," added James, in reference to the Lower Manhattan property that's also known as the Trump Building.

The big picture: New York Judge Arthur Engoron ordered last Friday that Trump, his companies and fellow defendants must pay nearly $364 million total in the civil fraud trial over his business practices.

Engoron ruled that of that penalty, Trump and his various organizations were to pay $354,868,768.
Trump denies any wrongdoing and has indicated he'll appeal the ruling.
His representatives did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment, but Trump at a Fox News town hall later Tuesday called the civil fraud judgment "a form of Navalny" and a "form of communism or fascism."

Go deeper: Trump fined $5,000 by N.Y. judge for violating gag order in civil fraud trial

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from former President Trump.

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N.Y. AG says she may seize Trump's assets if he can't pay $354M fine

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