Former President Donald Trump intends to contest Judge Arthur Engoron’s interpretation of fraud, which resulted in a massive financial judgment in Trump’s New York civil trial.

Chris Kise, Trump’s lead attorney in the case, informed Newsweek that the decision “will depend on many factors so it’s hard to say at the moment, but in any event, it will fall within the 30-day clock” that is allowed by the court.

Kise accused New York Attorney General Letitia James and Engoron of trying to expel Trump from New York, calling it a sad day for the city.

“The case raises serious legal and constitutional questions regarding ‘fraud’ claims/findings without any actual fraud,” Kise said.

Kise also asserted that the American commercial property market is poised to collapse within the next 12–18 months, yet authorities are steadfastly focused on pursuing Trump.

“The irony here is that in the next 12–18 months, many commercial properties are likely going to go into default or distress, especially in cities like New York. However, unlike President Trump, many developers rely on very high debt loads, so a market collapse will be very consequential,” Kise said.

In September 2022, James filed a lawsuit against Trump, his two adult sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, the Trump Organization, and two firm executives, Allen Weisselberg and Jeff McConney.

Engoron, presiding over the trial, found that Trump had inflated his assets to secure more favorable business loans.

A trial was held from late last year into early January to determine the amount of damages that the former president and his associates would have to pay.

Engoron issued a decision on February 16 stating that Donald Trump would have to pay a fine of about $364 million.

Moreover, Trump, Weisselberg, and McConney will face a three-year prohibition from serving as officers or directors of any New York corporation or other legal entity within the state.

Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have been ordered to pay more than $4 million each and are prohibited from conducting any business in the state for two years.