Judge Engoron Takes Parting Shot at Ivanka Trump

New York Judge Arthur Engoron was sharply critical of Ivanka Trump in his ruling that ordered her father to pay $354.9 million in damages on Friday after finding him liable for business fraud.

In his judgment, Engoron criticized Ivanka over what he termed her "inconsistent recall." He said that Donald Trump's eldest daughter denied knowledge of key events, even when documentary evidence was presented proving her involvement.

Ivanka was initially listed as a defendant in the case, alongside her father, adult brothers and the Trump Organization, but this was dropped in June 2023 due to a statute of limitations.

Taking aim at Ivanka, Engoron wrote: "She consistently denied recalling the contents of documentary evidence that confirmed that she actively participated in events, even after she was confronted with the evidence."

He later added: "The Court found her inconsistent recall, depending on whether she was questioned by OAG [New York attorney general's office] or the defense, suspect. In any event, what Ms. Trump cannot recall is memorialized in contemporaneous emails and documents; in the absence of her memory, the documents speak for themselves."

Newsweek contacted representatives for Ivanka Trump and The Trump Organization for comment at 5 a.m. ET on Saturday. This article will be updated if either wishes to comment.

Referring to negotiations involving the Old Post Office in Washington, D.C., which Trump purchased and turned into a hotel, Engoron wrote: "Ivanka Trump had no recollection of any of the events that gave rise to this action; no number of emails or documents with her signature served to refresh her recollection."

Engoron also questioned Ivanka's testimony regarding her involvement in negotiations concerning the Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami, Florida, which her father had purchased. Engoron said: "Despite being presented with ample emails and other documentary evidence demonstrating the critical role she played in the negotiation, Ms. Trump professed to have no memory of any of the events of the loan negotiation or the agreed upon terms."

In September 2023, Engoron found Donald Trump liable for business fraud, concluding he had lied about the value of properties he owned to secure more favorable bank loans and tax agreements. Friday's ruling was on the penalties he will now face, including the $354.9 million fine to the state of New York.

Trump was also banned from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years, while his sons Donald Jr. and Eric were each given $4 million fines and two-year business bans.

In addition, Engoron ordered an independent body to monitor the Trump Organization for the next three years. However, he didn't cancel its business licences, which would have effectively shut down its activities in New York.

Referring to the defendant's behavior in his 92-page judgment, Engoron wrote: "Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological."

He later added: "The frauds found here leap off the page and shock the conscience."

Trump, the overwhelming favorite to secure the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, condemned the judgment in comments made from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

He said: "A crooked New York state judge just ruled I have to pay a fine for $355m for having built a perfect company. It's a very sad day for, in my opinion, the country." The GOP politician also pledged to appeal the decision.

Speaking at a press conference, New York Attorney General Letitia James, the Democrat who initially brought the case, welcomed the verdict.

She said: "There cannot be different rules for different people in this country, and former presidents are no exception.

"Donald Trump may have authored The Art of the Deal, but he perfected the art of the steal."