new york attorney general sues trump foundation: what might happen next

by Dr. Jimmy Cronin DVM 5 min read

Why did Donald Trump file a lawsuit against New York attorney general?

Jun 17, 2018 · The New York attorney general filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and the Donald J. Trump Foundation on Thursday, alleging …

Who is suing Donald Trump’s foundation?

Dec 10, 2019 · Trump Ordered to Pay Eight Separate Charities $250,000 Each. Remaining $1.8 Million in Trump Foundation Bank Account Disbursed Among Charities. NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after Donald J. Trump was forced to pay more than $2 million in court-ordered damages to eight different charities …

Is New York State Attorney General Letitia James investigating the Trump Organization?

May 19, 2021 · New York State Attorney General Letitia James' office, which already was conducting a civil investigation of former President Donald Trump's company, is now probing the Trump Organization "in a ...

What did LeBron James do to sue Donald Trump?

Dec 11, 2019 · The Trump Foundation, which Mr. Trump founded in 1987, disbanded last December after an investigation by Barbara Underwood, then-acting attorney general of New York. Ms. Underwood’s office found ...

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How much did Trump reimburse his foundation?

Additionally, Trump was forced to reimburse his namesake foundation $11,525 for sports paraphernalia and champagne purchased at a charity gala, which was added to $1,797,598.30 already in the foundation’s bank account.

How much did Donald Trump pay in damages?

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after Donald J. Trump was forced to pay more than $2 million in court-ordered damages to eight different charities for illegally misusing charitable funds at the Trump Foundation for political purposes:

Who is the Manhattan District Attorney for the Trump Organization?

James’ spokesman indicated that her office’s probe is being conducted in conjunction with the criminal investigation of Trump and the Trump Organization by the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.

When did Trump board the elevator?

President-elect Donald Trump boards the elevator to the lobby after meetings at Trump Tower in New York City on January 16, 2017. New York State Attorney General Letitia James’ office — which already was conducting a civil investigation of former President Donald Trump ’s company — is now also probing the Trump Organization “in a criminal capacity” ...

Is James' office conducting a criminal investigation?

An official familiar with the latest developments told WNBC in New York on Wednesday that James’ office is not conduct ing a separate criminal probe , but instead has sent two lawyers from her office to work with Vance’s investigators.

Did the Supreme Court block the Vance investigation?

In February, the U.S. Supreme Court refused a last-ditch request by the former president to block Vance’s investigators from obtaining years’ worth of his tax returns and other financial records via a grand jury subpoena from his long-time accountants.

Who is suing Donald Trump's foundation?

Editor’s note: New York state Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood is suing Donald Trump’s foundation and its board of directors over an alleged “pattern of persistent illegal conduct.” Megan Tompkins-Stange, a University of Michigan public policy professor, explains what the repercussions might be for the Trump family.

What happens if the Trumps are found guilty?

If they are found guilty, the Trumps could potentially be forced to pay a US$2.8 million fine because Underwood’s office said that the foundation funneled at least that amount to Trump’s presidential campaign. They may also have to dissolve the foundation – something that the Trump family has already said it plans to do.

Does Megan Tompkins-Stange work for a company?

Megan Tompkins-Stange does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Did the Trump family break charitable laws?

By contrast, the Trump family, according to in-depth reporting by The Washington Post’s David Fahrenthold and other journalists, has brazenly and repeatedly broken charitable laws, even going so far as to use foundation money to buy a portrait of Donald Trump that was displayed at one of Trump’s private clubs.

Who took over the Trump case?

James took over the case when she was sworn into office in 2019. As part of the settlement, Mr. Trump’s three children who were officers of the foundation — Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump — were ordered to undergo mandatory training to ensure they do not engage in similar misconduct in the future.

How much did Trump pay to charities?

President Trump has paid $2 million to eight charities as part of a settlement in which the president admitted he misused funds raised by the Donald J. Trump Foundation to promote his presidential bid and pay off business debts, the New York State attorney general said on Tuesday.

Why did the President use the foundation?

In the end, the president admitted in court documents that he had used the foundation to settle legal obligations of his businesses and even to purchase a portrait of himself. “Charities are not a means to an end, which is why these damages speak to the president’s abuse of power and represent a victory for not-for-profits ...

Trump lawyers: James' probe political

During the video hearing, Trump's lawyers claimed improper political bias on the part of the prosecutor. Attorney Alina Habba, one of the former president's attorneys, cited a litany of James' comments during her campaign for attorney general, pledging to investigate Trump and his business practices.

Judge says Trump, family aren't 'protected,' nor denied rights

During the hearing and in his ruling, Engoron said Trump and his family are not part of a legal "protected class," which normally includes factors like race or religion.

Financial ties cut this week

There are signs the investigations of Trump's business practices are moving forward beyond Thursday's decision to force the Trumps' to comply with subpoenas.

Who sued Donald Trump in 2021?

On Mar. 5, 2021, Representative Eric Swalwell sued Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump Jr., and Congressman Mo Brooks in federal court over the Jan. 6 riots. Swalwell alleges that the defendants violated federal civil rights laws–including the Ku Klux Klan Act–when they conspired to interfere with the Electoral College Count on Jan 6. Beyond that, Swalwell also says the defendants should be held liable for negligently violating DC criminal codes on incitement, encouraging the rioters’ violent conduct, and intentionally inflicting emotional distress on members of Congress.

Why is Mary Trump suing Donald Trump?

Mary Trump is suing Donald Trump for defrauding her out of millions of dollars in an inheritance dispute. The suit is pending in New York state court, where the parties are currently battling over former President Trump’s move to dismiss the case.

What is the Trump family's class action?

A group of anonymous plaintiffs have filed a class action against the Trump family and their business, alleging that the Trumps used their brand to scam investors into paying for worthless business opportunities. The district court denied the Trumps’ bid to force the case into arbitration, and the Trumps are now appealing.

What was the case against Zervos?

Case Summary: On Jan. 17, 2017, Zervos filed a suit in New York State Court against Trump for defamation . During Trump’s campaign, many women, including Zervos, accused Trump of inappropriate sexual conduct. In her complaint against Trump, Zervos claims that in 2007, while she sought employment from Trump, he kissed her on the lips and touched her inappropriately. After she rejected his advances, his attitude became very business-like and he later offered her a job for half the salary she was seeking. She attempted to contact Trump, noting that she felt she was being “penalized for not sleeping with him.” Trump said he could not discuss it with her at the time. Zervos says she decided to come forward with these allegations after the Billy Bush Access Hollywood Tape showed Trump speaking in a derogatory manner toward women. In response to her allegations, Trump claims she was lying and was only making these accusations to help the Clinton campaign or to get fame.

Why did Summer Zervos file a civil suit against Trump?

Summer Zervos, a former contestant on the Apprentice, has filed a civil suit against former President Trump for defamation after he claimed her allegations of his inappropriate sexual conduct were lies designed to help the Clinton campaign and improve her fame.

What happens if Trump falters in business?

If Trump falters in one of his business-related suits, his companies may be subject to massive penalties, or worse. Even apart from such sanctions, his empire is reportedly struggling under looming debt obligations and reduced revenues, a slump which could worsen if his reputation continues to deteriorate.

When is Carroll's defamation case due?

At the Second Circuit, the DOJ and Trump filed separate opening briefs on Jan. 15, 2021. Carroll’s attorneys then requested an Apr. 16, 2021 due date for their brief.

What is a category 4 case?

Let's assume a prosecutor wants to pursue a category four case — that is, a big case against Trump. Such a case would be likely to involve complex financial transactions, such as those resulting in huge, questionable tax refunds to the Trump Organization, a focus of New York's attorney general and Manhattan's district attorney.

What is the difference between a criminal indictment and a conviction?

There is a world of difference between obtaining a criminal indictment, which requires only "probable cause," and a criminal conviction, which requires a finding that the defendant is "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.". The latter is, for good reason, the highest burden of proof that exists in our legal system.

Can a former president be convicted of a crime?

We know this: For a former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, the prosecutor's case must be substantial, the evidence overwhelming and the jury unbiased. The most likely scenario is that the Trump Organization will be criminally charged with a financial crime (yes, organizations themselves can be charged and criminally fined if convicted). And if the New York prosecutors have enough documentary and testimonial evidence that Donald Trump knew about those financial crimes, they would be likely to bring charges against the former president, as well.

Who is William Rapfogel?

Fishman investigated William Rapfogel, former executive director and chief executive of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. Mr. Rapfogel pleaded guilty in 2014 to multiple felonies and admitted to stealing more than $1 million from the Jewish charity.

How long is a criminal sentence in New York?

The state law can be used with proof of as few as three crimes involving a business or other enterprise and carries a minimum mandatory sentence of one to three years—and a maximum term of up to 25. “It’s a very serious crime,” said Michael Shapiro, a defense attorney who used to prosecute corruption cases in New York.

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Who Is Being Accused of Doing What, exactly?

What Is The Big Deal About Self-Dealing?

Are There Any Similar Precedents?

  • This lawsuit is more than a big deal for the Trump family. It marks the first time since 1969 that any private foundation has been formally censured for self-dealing. That may be because self-dealing does not appear to be a widespread practice in private foundations. All 501(c)(3) private foundations, including the one bearing Trump’s name, make grants. Often controlled by member…
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How Have The Trumps Responded?

  • Without addressing any of the specifics of this allegedly illegal behavior, President Trump has dismissed the lawsuit as a “ridiculous case” and accused Underwood’s office of “playing politics.” But the evidence against the family does look strong, in my opinion, partly because some of the Donald J. Trump Foundation’s alleged illegal transactions were relayed in writing.
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What Are The Potential Consequences?

  • If they are found guilty, the Trumps could potentially be forced to pay a US$2.8 million fine because Underwood’s office said that the foundation funneled at least that amount to Trump’s presidential campaign. They may also have to dissolve the foundation – something that the Trump family has already said it plans to do. That figure also, as it hap...
See more on theconversation.com