President Donald Trump declared “total victory” after a New York appeals court struck down a civil fraud penalty exceeding $500 million that had been imposed by Manhattan Judge Arthur Engoron.
According to CNBC, the appeals court unanimously ruled the penalty an “excessive fine” in violation of the Eighth Amendment.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump blasted New York Attorney General Letitia James, calling the case a “political witch hunt” and “election interference.”
Massive Win!!!
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 21, 2025
New York Appeals Court has just THROWN OUT President Trump's $500+ Million civil fraud penalty!
It was always a witch hunt, election interference, and a total miscarriage of justice… and even a left leaning NY appeals court agrees! NO MORE LAWFARE!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/j8P138Hhd8
He argued the trial was unfair, citing the lack of a jury and claiming Engoron, whom he labeled corrupt, never ruled in his favor. Trump praised the five-judge panel’s decision and singled out Justice David Friedman for his “words of wisdom.”
The ruling marks a major legal win for the president, who said the case represented one of the worst “business persecutions” in American history.
