Trump fined $10,000 per day for contempt of court

Published 26 Apr.2022 10:51(KST)

Updated 02 May.2022 06:24(KST)

Court: "Continued Failure to Submit Documents"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Former U.S. President Donald Trump (photo) has been ordered to pay a daily fine of $10,000 (approximately 12.53 million KRW) for contempt of court, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The Manhattan trial court in New York City ruled on the 25th (local time) that Trump was guilty of contempt of court for failing to submit documents requested by New York State Attorney General and Prosecutor Letitia James through a subpoena last December by the deadline.

The New York State prosecution is investigating allegations that the Trump family undervalued real estate assets to pay less tax while inflating asset values when obtaining bank loans. Former President Trump has refused to cooperate, claiming that Prosecutor James, a Democrat, is conducting an unfair investigation for political reasons.

The court extended the deadline for submitting documents from the original March 3 to March 31. Judge Arthur Engoron told former President Trump, "You have repeatedly broken your promise to submit the documents," adding, "I know you value your business, but I take my job seriously as well."

Trump's side immediately announced plans to appeal. Alina Habba, Trump's attorney, stated, "All documents requested by the subpoena were submitted to the Attorney General months ago," and called it a "political campaign."

Attorney General James said regarding the court ruling, "Justice has prevailed," adding, "Former President Trump has tried for years to evade the law and stop legitimate investigations into his and his company's financial transactions."

WSJ reported, "Trump's side submitted only about ten documents, hindering the prosecution's investigation."