Judge to weigh fate of Trump properties
NEW YORK — He’s driven a taxi cab, played in a band and protested the Vietnam War. As a New York City judge, Arthur Engoron has resolved hundreds of disputes, deciding everything from zoning and free speech issues to a custody fight over a dog named “Stevie.”
Now, in the twilight of a distinguished two-decade career on the bench, the erudite, Ivy Leagueeducated judge is presiding over his biggest case yet: deciding the future of former President Donald Trump’s real estate empire.
Last week, Engoron ruled that Trump committed years of fraud by exaggerating his wealth and the value of assets on financial statements he used to get loans and make deals. As punishment, the judge said he would dissolve some of Trump’s companies — a decision that could cause him to lose control of marquee New York properties, like Trump Tower.
Starting Monday, Engoron will preside over a non-jury trial in Manhattan to resolve remaining claims in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit against Trump, his company and top executives. He will also decide on monetary damages. James’ office is seeking $250 million.
Trump, who is listed as a potential witness and could end up face-to-face with Engoron in court, called the judge’s fraud ruling “the corporate death penalty.” He referred to Engoron as a “political hack” and said his would appeal.
Through a court spokesperson, Engoron has declined to comment on Trump’s barbs. He is barred from commenting to the news media about the case.
Engoron, a Democrat, has ruled repeatedly against Trump in the three years he’s been presiding over James’ lawsuit. He’s forced Trump to sit for a deposition, held him in contempt and fined him $110,000.
Now, Engoron is poised to permanently disrupt the collection of skyscrapers, golf courses and other properties that vaulted Trump to fame and the White House.
At a hearing in the case last Wednesday, the day after his ruling, Engoron offered “a little bit of New York humor” to break the tension. He repeated an oft-told story about a judge who ended up agreeing with everyone who spoke in his courtroom.
Engoron, a fan of puns and pop culture references, routinely turns to humor — even in the gravest of hearings and decisions.
“We certainly can use it today,” Trump lawyer Christopher Kise said.
As Trump’s lawyers reached rare consensus with James’ office on procedural issues, Engoron dispatched with one last quip.
“I knew this case would be a love fest,” he said.