A new report from CNN provides an inside look at Donald Trump’s closest circles as he faces a looming deadline for a massive bond to stave off collections amid appeals of a judgment against him in a civil fraud case in New York. The underlying penalties the ex-president faces, when including interest, approach half a billion dollars.
The case originated with state Attorney General Letitia James, who accused Trump of an extensive pattern of misrepresenting the value of assets and thereby queuing up financial benefits.
Trump is “in panic mode,” sources relayed to CNN. Apparently, the former president had ambitions of relying on the same company that joined his bond agreement in the civil proceedings against him originating with claims by writer E. Jean Carroll, but they rejected the prospect.
“Trump’s team has sought out wealthy supporters and weighed what assets could be sold – and fast,” CNN reported this week. “The presumptive GOP presidential nominee himself has become increasingly concerned about the optics the March 25 deadline could present – especially the prospect that someone whose identity has long been tied to his wealth would confront financial crisis.”
Characteristically, Trump is also freaking out publicly. He alleges that the demand for a bond is some kind of new creation uniquely used against him, which isn’t true. And he still characterizes the courtroom hurdles he’s facing as election interference considering his ongoing campaign for the White House, but he announced his latest campaign after James’ investigation was known.
Trump’s team recently pushed for lifting the requirements that Trump post any bond at all, pointing to his real estate holdings as supposedly sufficient to secure the future possibilities of the former president paying up. So far, some 30 companies have rejected Trump as he’s searched for a bond, filings reveal. James, meanwhile, has already indicated she’s prepared to pursue Trump’s assets — sweeping in those holdings — if the bond deadline is passed without any agreement established.
