Former President Donald Trump has been found in contempt of court for refusing to turn over documents, according to several media reports.
Trump was ordered to comply with a subpoena from the New York attorney general’s office, but did not fulfill his obligation.
Trump, a lifelong New York resident, formally changed his residence to Florida in 2019.
He has been ordered by New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron to pay $10,000 per day until showing that he has complied with the document demands, according to a report from The Hill.
Trump Appeals Part of Ruling, Agrees to Turn Over Documents
Trump has appealed the part of the ruling requiring him to be deposed, but didn’t challenge the order to turn over documents.
It all centers around an investigation into his company’s financial dealings according to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who applauded the ruling on Monday.
“Today, justice prevailed,” James said in a statement.
“For years, Donald Trump has tried to evade the law and stop our lawful investigation into him and his company’s financial dealings. Today’s ruling makes clear: No one is above the law.”
Engoron rejected Trump’s challenge to the subpoena for his records and testimony in February.
Trump was then ordered to sit for a deposition and turn over any requested records in his control.
Trump Will Appeal the Ruling, His Attorney Said
Trump’s attorney said he will appeal the ruling.
“We respectfully disagree with the court’s decision,” Alina Habba, his attorney, said in a statement.
“All documents responsive to the subpoena were produced to the attorney general months ago.
“The only issue raised by the attorney general at today’s hearing was with an affidavit submitted which copied the form mandated by the attorney general. This does not even come close to meeting the standard on a motion for contempt and, thus, we intend to appeal.”