Former President Donald is estimated to be worth more than $2 billion, but paying a $355 million fine that a New York judge imposed on his business empire could require some painful decisions.
Trump owns two dozen buildings as part of a real estate and golf empire, but he has retained only a fraction of their value in cash or other liquid assets.
In a deposition for the lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, he claimed he had $400 million in cash, saying it was “a lot for a developer.”
James’ researchers found that his liquid assets amounted to $93 million in 2020.
That creates a potential liquidity crisis after Friday’s surprising court order.
Part of the problem is that Trump has already been ordered to pay $83 million to writer E. Jean Carroll in her defamation suit, which followed a $5 million award in a separate trial in which he was found liable for sexually abuse her.
Former President Donald Trump faces a potential cash crisis as he faces a $355 million award from a New York judge, following an $83 million damages award in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case.
With those responsibilities, while facing a mountain of legal fees in his four criminal trials, Trump may be forced to try to secure bail. Recent campaign finance reports revealed that PACs associated with Trump had shelled out $50 million in legal fees.
A bail bond would typically cost him 10 percent of the amount owed, requiring him to come up with $35 million that he could not recover.
The crux of the case against Trump involved claims the court found inflated about the true market values of Trump’s properties.
If he started unloading, Trump would discover the real value of some of the buildings.
Trump Tower, where Trump’s triplex apartment went to court, has a net worth of $56 million when $100 million in debt is subtracted, according to one estimate. A misstatement about the size of his triplex apartment was part of Trump’s fraud case
Trump’s stake in the 40 Wall Street building, which appeared in his fraud trial, alone is estimated at $80 million.
Former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property, whose value according to the court Trump inflated by up to 2,300%. Tax assessors estimate its value to be between $18 and $27.6.
Judge Arthur Engoron already found Trump responsible for fraud but the sentence was determined at trial. At one point during the process, Engoron told the former president’s lawyer that he “control his client.” He has now slapped Trump with a $355 million settlement.
Forbes estimated that Trump’s real estate in New York City is worth $690 million. His out-of-town real estate is worth $190 million and his golf clubs and resorts are worth $870 million.
Trump has made flaunting those assets part of his iconic brand, and according to the magazine, his branding and social media business is worth $160 million.
Trump used his Truth Social platform to criticize his prosecution in New York, but estimates have fluctuated on the site’s value.
James’ office relied on Palm Beach advisers to list Mar-a-Lago’s value at $18 million, but Trump says it is worth much more, perhaps more than $1 billion. Forbes estimated net worth at $292 million.
Selling it would be a challenge, since Trump swapped it for his official residence.
Trump’s overseas golf clubs, including the Trump Turnberry, which is undergoing expansion, are estimated to be worth $94 million.
Trump’s Doral golf club in Miami is estimated to be worth $166 million.
He also owns a number of other golf clubs, including one in Virginia that he used as president but has used less frequently since leaving the White House.
You have many properties in New York to choose from in case you want to get rid of one. His attorney, Alina Habba, fumed in a statement Friday: “Let me make one thing perfectly clear: This is not just about Donald Trump; if this decision stands, it will serve as a signal to all Americans that New York is no longer open.” to business.’
Trump’s stake in the building at 40 Wall Street alone, which appeared in his fraud trial, is estimated at $80 million.
Trump Tower, where Trump’s triplex apartment went to court, has a net worth of $56 million when $100 million in debt is subtracted.
(Donald Trump Jr. signed a letter with accounting firm Mazars stating that Trump’s apartment was 30,000 square feet, shortly after contacting Trump Organization lawyer Alan Garten about an email saying it was 10,996 square feet square, according to property records).
“You won’t suddenly become working class. But you’ll just get a lot of cash. Your fortune will be significantly reduced,” former federal prosecutor Diana Florence told the bbc.
The judge’s order prohibits Trump’s company from “borrowing from any financial institution licensed or registered with the New York Department of Financial Services for a period of three years,” limiting its own options.
Trump has it paid off most of the $295 million he once owed Deutsche Bank, reducing his liabilities since he left office.