Former President Trump is set to hold a press conference in downtown Manhattan after a New York Appeals Court significantly reduced the bond he owes in a case brought against him by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The court ruled that Trump must pay $175 million within 10 days, down from the initial $464 million judgment. This decision comes after a trial date was set in a separate case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, where Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign.
The press conference is scheduled to take place at 40 Wall St. at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Trump has stated that he will abide by the court’s ruling and pay the reduced bond amount. In the case brought by Bragg, Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump’s motion to further delay the trial and set a trial date for April 15. The trial was initially scheduled to begin on March 25 but was postponed to allow the defense time to review over 15,000 records of potential evidence provided by the Justice Department from a previous federal investigation.
Trump pleaded not guilty to the 34 counts of falsifying business records in the case brought by Bragg. The charges relate to allegations that Trump fraudulently altered New York business records to conceal criminal conduct during the 2016 presidential election. Specifically, the charges stem from hush-money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Despite federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York choosing not to charge Trump in 2019, Bragg moved forward with the indictment, alleging that Trump attempted to hide damaging information from the public during the election.
The press conference and legal proceedings come after months of legal battles for Trump, who is gearing up for a potential 2024 run for the presidency. The reduction in the bond amount and the setting of a trial date mark significant developments in the cases brought against him by James and Bragg. Trump has previously faced scrutiny and legal challenges related to his business dealings and alleged misconduct during his time in office. The outcome of the upcoming trials could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s political future and legal standing.
As Trump prepares to address the media and face legal proceedings in Manhattan, the public eagerly awaits further developments in the high-profile cases brought against him. The former president’s decision to hold a press conference following the court rulings reflects his continued involvement in the legal process and his determination to defend himself against the charges brought by James and Bragg. The political and legal ramifications of the cases will likely continue to unfold, shaping the trajectory of Trump’s future endeavors and potential return to national politics.
