Key takeaways from Donald Trump's 'overwhelming' fraud trial defeat - BBC News

Donald Trump was hit with a crushing $354m fine, but averted the worst outcome for his business empire.

1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Michael M. Santiago/Getty ImagesImage caption, Donald Trump leaves the New York fraud trial.By Kayla EpsteinBBC New, New YorkIn a stunning blow to his business empire, Donald Trump has been found liable for almost $355m (£281m) in penalties by Justice Arthur Engoron, in a long-awaited conclusion to the billionaire's fraud trial.

The judge issued a further shock to the real estate personality once synonymous with Manhattan's skyline, barring him from doing business in New York for three years.

Justice Engoron broadly sided with Attorney General Letitia James' argument that the Trump Organization should pay a steep price for fraudulently misrepresenting their assets in order to get more favourable loans and interest rates over the course of years.

While the judge backtracked on an earlier, controversial decision that threatened to dissolve many of Mr Trump's businesses in New York, his judgement still represents a serious setback for the 77-year-old.

Here are the key things to know about Justice Engoron's decision and its impact.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68323487

---