A New York judge has ruled that former US president Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that launched him to fame and the White House.
Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling on Tuesday in a civil lawsuit brought by New York’s Attorney General, found Mr Trump and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by greatly overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing financing.
The decision, days before the start of a non-jury trial in Attorney General Letitia James’s lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Mr Trump’s carefully shaped image as a wealthy and shrewd real estate mogul turned political powerhouse.
Beyond mere bragging about his riches, Mr Trump, his company and key executives repeatedly lied about them on his annual financial statements, reaping rewards such as favourable loan terms and lower insurance premiums, Mr Engoron found.
Those tactics crossed a line and broke the law, the judge said, rejecting Mr Trump’s contention that a disclaimer on the financial statements absolved him of any wrongdoing.
Manhattan prosecutors had looked into bringing a criminal case over the same conduct but declined to do so, leaving Ms James to sue Mr Trump and seek penalties that could disrupt his and his family’s ability to do business in the state.
Mr Engoron’s ruling, in a phase of the case known as summary judgment, resolves the key claim in Ms James’s lawsuit, but six others remain.
Mr Engoron is due to hold a non-jury trial starting on October 2 before deciding on those claims and any punishment he may impose.
Ms James is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on Mr Trump doing business in New York, his home state. The trial could last into December, Mr Engoron has said.
Mr Trump’s lawyers had asked the judge to throw out the case, which he denied.
They said Ms James was not legally allowed to file the lawsuit because there was not any evidence that the public was harmed by Mr Trump’s actions.
They also said many of the allegations in the lawsuit were barred by the statute of limitations.
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
