This week could be a "crazy" week for former US President Donald Trump. Today, the first criminal trial in his case was supposed to begin - Trump still has to post a bond in the amount of $464 million.
About what else, in addition to the presidential race and the trial, awaits former President Trump this week, CNN told.
Trump has to post about half a billion dollars worth of bonds to stop the seizure of his assets after the court ruling. In general, Monday could have been far worse for Trump, as it was the original date set for the debut of the hush money trial. But Judge Juan Merchan delayed proceedings until at least the middle of next month. Today, the judge could indicate whether the delay he has already put in place is sufficient to allow the trial to move ahead.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to fight for the presidency. CNN indicates that he has strengthened his dominance over the Republican Party and is leading President Joe Biden in some polls.
However, a serious danger for the former US president is the obligation to pay $464 million bond, including interest. This may give Trump time to appeal to prevent New York Attorney General Letitia James from seizing his assets.
Earlier, Trump's lawyers asked the appellate court judges to reduce or delay the verdict on the improper benefit, but no decision was made.
CNN points out that Trump has replaced his political defense with a legal one, claiming to be a victim:
"As with his other outstanding legal cases, the ex-president has substituted a political defense for a legal one, claiming that he is the victim of persecution designed to keep him out of power."
The consequences of asset confiscation can be devastating and divert a candidate's attention from the campaign.
"If he can’t deliver the security, and the court doesn’t give him dispensation from having to deliver the security, then starting on Tuesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James can start trying to execute against his property, which would be broken down into three categories," Mitchell Epner said on CNN. He meant that the first category could include cash, bank accounts and securities accounts; the second - personal property, ranging from clothing to vehicles and airplanes; and the third - real estate.
Earlier, we reported that Trump's famous Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago estate could be confiscated.