Who is Arthur Engoron? Judge weighing future of Donald Trump empire is Ivy League-educated ex-cabbie
The judge deciding the future of former President Donald Trump’s real estate empire has driven a taxi cab, played in a band and protested the Vietnam War
NEW YORK — He’s driven a taxi cab, played in a band and protested the Vietnam War. As a New York City judge, Arthur Engoron has resolved hundreds of disputes, deciding everything from zoning and free speech issues to a custody fight over a dog named “Stevie.”
Now, in the twilight of a distinguished two-decade career on the bench, the erudite, Ivy League-educated judge is presiding over his biggest case yet: deciding the future of former President Donald Trump's real estate empire.
Last week, Engoron ruled that Trump committed years of fraud by exaggerating his wealth and the value of assets on financial statements he used to get loans and make deals. As punishment, the judge said he would dissolve some of Trump's companies — a decision that could cause him to lose control of marquee New York properties, like Trump Tower.
Starting Monday, Engoron will preside over a non-jury trial in Manhattan to resolve remaining claims in New York Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit against Trump, his company and top executives. He will also decide on monetary damages. James' office is seeking $250 million.
Trump, who is listed as a potential witness and could end up face-to-face with Engoron in court, called the judge's fraud ruling “the corporate death penalty.” He referred to Engoron as a “political hack" and said his would appeal.
“I have a Deranged, Trump Hating Judge, who RAILROADED this FAKE CASE through a NYS Court at a speed never before seen,” the 2024 Republican frontrunner wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Through a court spokesperson, Engoron has declined to comment
Read more on abcnews.go.com
