Trump Appeals Civil Fraud Ruling, Citing Doubts About Ex-Lawyer's Testimony

Former president argues judge's finding of asset inflation should be overturned.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:17am

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A dimly lit office desk with a single lamp casting warm, diagonal shadows, symbolizing the legal and financial complexities facing the former president.As Trump's legal battles mount, the former president's appeal of a civil fraud ruling exposes the deepening shadows of his financial and reputational challenges.NYC Today

Donald Trump has asked New York's highest appeals court to overturn a judge's ruling that he was liable for inflating the value of his real estate assets. Trump's lawyers argue that his former attorney Michael Cohen has since cast doubt on his previous testimony that was used as evidence in the civil fraud case.

Why it matters

This appeal represents Trump's latest legal challenge to a civil case that found he misled lenders and tax authorities about the value of his properties. The outcome could have significant financial and reputational implications for the former president as he navigates a growing number of legal battles.

The details

In the appeal, Trump's lawyers argue that Cohen's recent statements questioning the reliability of his own prior testimony undermine the basis for the judge's finding of liability against Trump. They claim the judge should not have relied so heavily on Cohen's statements, which were a key part of the evidence used to determine Trump inflated asset values.

  • The civil fraud ruling was issued in 2025.
  • Trump filed the appeal with New York's highest appeals court in April 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is appealing a civil fraud ruling against him.

Michael Cohen

Trump's former personal lawyer whose previous testimony was used as evidence against Trump in the civil fraud case, but who has since cast doubt on the reliability of his own statements.

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What they’re saying

“Cohen's recent statements questioning the reliability of his own prior testimony undermine the basis for the judge's finding of liability against Trump.”

— Trump's lawyers

What’s next

The New York appeals court will now consider Trump's request to overturn the civil fraud ruling against him.

The takeaway

This appeal represents Trump's latest legal challenge as he faces a growing number of civil and criminal cases related to his business practices and conduct while in office. The outcome could have significant financial and reputational consequences for the former president.