Internet divided as Donald Trump predicts exodus of businesses from NY due to ‘total sham’ $355M civil fraud ruling

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN: Former President Donald Trump lashed out at the $355 million civil fraud verdict, warning businesses will leave New York due to the decision, reported New York Post.

Addressing voters at a campaign rally in Waterford Township, Michigan, on Saturday, February 17, the GOP frontrunner labeled the case a "complete and total sham," adding, "There were no victims, no damages, no defaults, no complaints, no nothing. There was nothing."

Judge Arthur Engoron on February 16 ruled a massive $355 million penalty in the civil suit filed by NY Attorney General Letitia James against the ex-president and his sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, for fraudulently inflating the price of their properties to secure favorable loans from banks.

Besides the fine, Trump is barred from running companies in New York for three years. The judge also issued a two-year ban against his sons from holding executive positions, along with a $4 million individual fine.

Trump calls verdict 'election interference'

The billionaire White House hopeful reiterated his claims that Attorney General James brought the lawsuit as an attempt to obstruct his presidency as he closes in on the Republican nomination to face President Joe Biden in November potentially.

"This is merely an election interference ploy by a crazed attorney general … working closely with a very bad judge. Judge Engoran just fined me $355 million for doing everything right," Trump argued.

The former President announced his decision to appeal the verdict, stating, "If justice is anything in New York State, then we'll win."

His privately-owned conglomerate, the Trump Organization, being headquartered in New York, the presidential hopeful predicted a mass exodus of businesses from the state due to the verdict.

"As a result of this decision, businesses are going to leave New York state, taking thousands of jobs with them because they can't subject themselves to this," Trump claimed.

He added, "And if this persecution of political opponents continues nobody will want to do business in the United States of America any longer."

The bombshell legal setback came less than a month after another New York Court ordered him to pay $83.3 million in defamation charges to writer E Jean Carroll. Besides, the imminent criminal trial in the hush-money case will turn his 2024 presidential run more tumultuous.

Internet split over Trump's forecast on NY businesses

Opinions among social media users were divided regarding Trump's prediction of businesses fleeing the Empire State due to concerns about the legal system.

One user wrote, "He’s not wrong."

Whereas another user opined, "Not a single business will leave New York because of thet ruling."

"Only corrupt ones," read a third response.

Contrarily, a fourth user stated, "This will cost NYC a lot more than $355 million plus the case will be thrown out on appeal…. NYC is a Democrat waste land.. IMO."

One user said, "He’s correct of course……"

While another remarked, "Or keep shady real estate hustlers out of politics."

"More NY businesses will move here to Florida. Good. Welcome," read a remark.

Whereas, another wrote, "Hopefully only his business."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.