Two of Trump’s civil cases have recently drawn to a close, and in both cases, Trump has been handed hefty penalties. The former President is now struggling to find a consistent argument to get him out of posting the bonds ordered by the courts, as claims of financial hardship follow earlier claims of excessive wealth. Regardless of which of Trump’s arguments is true, he is being relentlessly mocked over both claims.
Trump Claims He is Too Rich to Post Bond for Carroll
Editorial credit: Michael Vadon / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY-SA 2.0
In a recent court filing regarding Trump’s $83 million penalty for defaming the writer, E. Jean Carroll, Trump claimed that he is too rich to pay the bond. His lawyers argued that Carroll had previously presented arguments describing the former President’s excessive wealth during the trial.
Carroll Is in No Position to Contradict Herself
Editorial credit: Melissa Bender / Shutterstock.
The motion from Trump’s legal team read, “Having argued to the jury that President Trump has great financial resources, Plaintiff is in no position to contradict herself now and contend that she requires the protection of a bond during the brief period while post-trial motions are pending.”
Trump Contradicts Himself With Claims of Hardship
Editorial credit: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY-SA 2.0
However, as Trump’s lawyers claim that E. Carroll is in no position to contradict herself, it seems as though the loyal legal team has decided that Trump is in a position to make contradictory arguments. As Trump has argued that he is too rich to pay one bond, he has then argued in a New York court that posting a bond to cover his fraud penalty would cause him financial hardship.
Trump Attempts to Negotiate Deals
Editorial credit: Michael Vadon / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY-SA 2.0
Trump and his legal team have attempted to strike deals in both defamation and fraud cases, offering the courts a small portion of what had been ordered initially. The attempts at negotiating an agreement have not gone well.
Trump Offered $24 Million Bond in Defamation Case
Editorial credit: GoodIdeas / Shutterstock.
In Trump’s defamation case, he was ordered to post a bond totaling 110% of the penalty, amounting to over $90 million, to secure Carroll’s award. However, Trump’s legal team came back and attempted to negotiate a lesser amount of just over $24 million, arguing that “there is a strong probability that the disposition of post-trial motions will substantially reduce, if not eliminate, the amount of the judgment.”
Trump Offered $100 Million in NY Fraud Case
Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.
The lawyers attempted the same move concerning his fraud penalty, where Trump was ordered to post a bond of roughly $454 million as security. The lawyers then tried to strike a deal with Judge Anil Singh at the appeals court and offered a bond of $100 million. It has been reported that Attorney General James seeks to enforce the original ruling on March 25.
Trump’s Offer to NY Court Flatly Rejected
Editorial credit: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY-SA 2.0
In the case of Trump’s negotiations with Judge Singh, the judge flatly rejected the offer. He upheld the order that Trump must post a bond in the entire sum of $454 million to cover his civil fraud penalty while he appeals the decision.
Trump’s Property Could Be Seized
Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.
If he does not post the bond in time, AG James will be able to automatically begin collecting the penalty, which could result in the seizure of Trump’s assets.
Trump Is Eagerly Waiting for Carroll’s Response
Editorial credit: Melissa Bender / Shutterstock.
Trump’s negotiations to strike a deal with E. Carroll have gone slightly better than other failed attempts. As he offered Carroll a reduced amount, claiming his excessive wealth was security enough, the judge decided not to rule on Trump’s request until E. Carroll’s legal team was allowed to respond. Trump is facing a bond of 110% of the judgment, totaling a bond payment of over $91 million.
Colbert on Trump’s Arguments
Editorial credit: Montclair Film / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY 2.0
As Trump’s legal team eagerly awaits Carroll’s response and the judge’s decision, Stephen Colbert has relentlessly mocked Trump’s arguments on The Late Show. Colbert discussed Trump’s claims of financial wealth and his arguments while trying to avoid paying Carroll after being found liable for defamation.
Trump and Carroll’s Past
Editorial credit: julieannesmo / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY-SA 3.0
Colbert stated on his show, “You know the old saying. March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a bankrupt predator,” as he ridiculed Trump for being found liable for abusing Carroll in a previous case.
Trump Argued Carroll’s Case Was Not Unique
Editorial credit: Michael Vadon / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY-SA 2.0
Colbert then moved to mock Trump’s legal team, raising questions over their “unusual” attempts to prevent Trump from paying Carroll for defaming her. Colbert highlighted Trump’s lawyer’s argument that the ruling would be overturned on appeal because Trump’s actions were not “uniquely egregious.”
Can You Get away With a Common Crime?
Editorial credit: Montclair Film / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY 2.0
Colbert ridiculed the argument, declaring, “You can’t get away with a crime just because it wasn’t unique!” adding, “You never hear a jury say, ‘We find the defendant derivative.’”
A Nonsensical Argument
Editorial credit: Melissa Bender / Shutterstock.
Colbert called Trump’s claims that he was too rich to post a bond in Carroll’s case “the craziest argument” from Trump’s legal team. Colbert said, “You can’t argue with that logic.”
Trump Is “Too Guilty” to Go to Jail
Editorial credit: James Andrews1 / Shutterstock.
Colbert then impersonated Trump, stating, “Also, your honor, I shouldn’t have to go to jail because I’m too guilty.”
What Happened to the Multi-Billionaire?
Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.
A California attorney and public defender, Roger Tansey, posted online in response to Trump’s arguments of financial hardship over his fraud penalty bond. “What? I thought he was a multi-billionaire!” commenting after, “I’d like to pay less than a quarter of my bills too.”
Not a Happy Hump Day for Trump
Editorial credit: Michael Vadon / Wikimedia Commons /CC BY-SA 2.0
Jack Hopkins from the Jack Hopkins Show Podcast posted, “Donald Trump is UNABLE to post the required bond amount of $464 million in the New York fraud case. Without a stay, Trump properties would likely need to be sold. Trump offers $100,000. Happy Hump Day!”
Let’s Make a Deal, Donny
Editorial credit: vitma / Shutterstock.
Fudgin Politics commented on Trump’s negotiations to lessen the bond amounts, stating, “Does anyone buy he can’t cough up the $455 million bond? He probably racked that up last week from donations. And the $100 million? This isn’t Let’s Make a Deal, Donny!”
20 Reasons to Reconsider Supporting Donald Trump
Editorial credit: Cavan-Images / Shutterstock.
20 Reasons to Reconsider Supporting Donald Trump
Trump Descends Into Social Media Meltdown After Lincoln Project Faults Him in Ad
Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.
Trump Descends Into Social Media Meltdown After Lincoln Project Faults Him in Ad
21 Things Ruined by MAGA Followers, Affecting Us All
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
21 Things Ruined by MAGA Followers, Affecting Us All
21 Phrases That Out You as a Republican Voter
Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.
21 Phrases That Out You as a Republican Voter
The 21 Most Dislikeable Politicians in the United States
Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.
The 21 Most Dislikeable Politicians in the United States