Civil Lawsuits

Donald Trump’s legal battles continued to expand in 2024, with multiple civil lawsuits reflecting a broad range of allegations and legal issues.

In one of the most significant cases, New York Attorney General Letitia James brought a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump, his children, and their business entities. The case, which began in September 2023, concluded with a New York judge ruling against Trump and his co-defendants.

The court found them guilty of inflating the value of their assets to secure favorable loans and insurance benefits. This led to substantial penalties, including a $250 million fine and restrictions on operating businesses in New York for several years. The judge’s ruling emphasized the seriousness of the fraud, which allegedly stretched into hundreds of millions of dollars, and highlighted Trump’s “complete lack of contrition and remorse”.

Another high-profile civil case involved writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault and defamation. In May 2023, a jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages after finding Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation. In a subsequent case in January 2024, Carroll won an additional $83.3 million in damages for continued defamatory statements made by Trump. These cases not only imposed financial penalties but also significantly impacted Trump’s public image (The Atlantic).

Trump is also entangled in civil lawsuits related to the January 6 Capitol riot. Multiple Capitol Police officers and members of Congress have filed suits seeking damages for physical and emotional injuries sustained during the riot. These lawsuits allege that Trump’s rhetoric and actions directly incited the violence. In February 2024, Trump decided not to appeal a decision ruling that he has no immunity defense in these cases, opening the floodgates for additional lawsuits (Law & Crime, UPI).

Furthermore, Trump faces a pyramid scheme lawsuit scheduled for trial in early 2024. The lawsuit accuses Trump and his family of promoting a multi-level marketing scheme, luring participants with false promises of significant returns. This case highlights allegations of fraudulent business practices extending beyond real estate and financial dealings (Law & Crime).

These legal battles illustrate the breadth of civil litigation Trump faces as he navigates his political ambitions and legal challenges. Each case adds complexity to Trump’s legal landscape, influencing his public perception and political strategy as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.