As you’ve probably heard, Trump is claiming he can’t pay the $454 million bond for his fraudulent business practices in New York. The time has come for the State of New York to collect. I believe there is a right way, and a wrong way to go about this.
The easiest way would be for New York Attorney General Letitia James to collect would also be the most satisfying. To start putting “foreclosed” on Trump properties around New York. The actual process is quite involved, but the end result is Trump’s forced sales of buildings he has any ownership in.
I believe pursuing his payment like this would be a missed opportunity at best, and a big mistake at worst. Here’s why: Trump loves attention. And he loves playing the victim in front of his MAGA crowds. Creating a big showy event of forcing fire sales on his properties, removing his name, could backfire. Trump loves a media circus, and every building sale would be a circus.
Attack all of his finances and only his finances
Instead, I think the best way would be a constant systematic attack on all of his liquid assets: bank accounts, stocks, bonds, savings, etc... Banking laws allow governments to literally take money out of a person’s bank account using court orders. Imagine Trump and his family never being able to keep large sums of money in a bank or brokerage for fear that it would be taken to help pay the money he owes in New York. It would be a constant pain in his side.
And I do mean ALL of his finances
Furthermore, and this would require some ground breaking lawyering, She should go after some of his campaign funds as “personal assets”. Normally, campaign funds are not considered personal assets. However, the very fact that he’s been using campaign funds to pay his legal bills counters that argument. In fact, laws against using campaign funds for personal expense are so little enforced, that its a joke. It would require a judge to recognize a matter of fact, that campaign funds are basically personal piggie banks, and Donald Trump has used his more than almost anyone. Mostly for legal fees, but also by funneling wealth to his companies and family.
Going after his campaign funds would be complicated. As I’m not a campaign finance lawyer I can’t tell you if going after his SUPER PAC funds would be easier or harder than his actual campaign funds. I just know that those are different. It would be interesting to have real lawyers treat the subject with seriousness, though.
But the constant legal battles and losses will only add to his money woes. He’ll keep suing to keep his money safe, spending more on legal bills, and continue failing to pay the state, which will be able to keep tacking on more interest payments. Which will allow it the right to keep pursuing payment Its a plan for bleeding him dry of every penny.
Why is this better?
All of this would hurt Trump far more than losing what little interest he has in some of his New York properties. It would also deprive him of big media circuses where he can claim being a victim. Instead, the only headlines that will be routinely generated is how “Trump can’t pay his legal bills.” But most importantly, its strategic. It will cause him stress and to make mistakes. What will those mistakes be? Who knows, but they will happen. Like reversing positions on TicTok for the possibility of more financial support.
This feels Dirty
I realize this feels like a dirty trick, but it is entirely legal. Republicans brought this upon themselves. If they hadn’t nominated a candidate with 91 federal indictments and multiple civil court judgements against them, they wouldn’t have this problem. But there are consequences to nominating a criminal for President, and Democrats have a chance to make them feel those consequences — BIGLY. Courage!