Trump Avoids Asset Seizure... Deposits 240 Billion Won in Bond Payment

Fraudulent Loan Allegations... Appeal Trial Possible
Court Expands Trump’s 'Gag Order'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump narrowly escaped the risk of asset seizure by issuing bonds worth $175 million (approximately 236.7 billion KRW) in connection with a fraud loan lawsuit, AP News reported on the 1st (local time).

The bonds were acquired by Knight Insurance Group.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Alina Habba, Trump’s attorney, stated, "Former President Trump intends to assert his right to appeal and hopes to overturn the unjust ruling."

Earlier, on February 16, the New York Manhattan District Court found Trump guilty of obtaining a fraudulent loan by inflating the value of his assets to secure easier loans, imposing a fine of $454 million (approximately 613.9 billion KRW). Trump immediately appealed but had to post a bond equivalent to the fine amount of $454 million to proceed with the appeal. Failure to pay the bond on time would have put his assets such as resorts, golf courses, and private jets at risk of seizure.

In response, Trump requested the court to halt the execution of the fine or reduce the bond, arguing that the amount was too high to pay. Last month, the appellate court lowered the bond to $175 million on the condition that it be paid within 10 days.

The bond serves as a guarantee for payment of fines if the ruling is finalized. If he wins, the bond will be refunded, but if he loses the appeal, he must pay the full $454 million fine plus interest. Previously, Trump lost a defamation lawsuit filed by columnist E. Jean Carroll and was ordered to pay damages amounting to $83.3 million (approximately 112.6 billion KRW). To proceed with the appeal, he submitted bonds worth $91.6 million (approximately 123.8 billion KRW) to the court.

Trump claimed to hold $500 million (approximately 675.9 billion KRW) in cash, but AP News estimated that a significant portion of his cash assets has been depleted recently due to legal risks.

Meanwhile, the New York Manhattan District Court expanded a gag order preventing Trump from criticizing the presiding judge and the judge’s family. Trump recently criticized Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing his trial, and his family on social media during the Easter holiday. Judge Merchan is presiding over Trump’s criminal case related to alleged hush money in a sexual misconduct scandal, which is set to begin on the 15th.

The court had also issued a gag order on April 26 prohibiting disparagement of witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and jurors related to the trial. At that time, judges were not included, but the scope has now been expanded. Trump faces a total of four criminal indictments, including this case.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.