AOC’s questions years ago led to an investigation into Trump’s business practices, now ordered to pay $355 million.

In a stunning turn of events, former President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay a staggering $355 million to the state of New York as part of a fraud trial verdict. This long and contentious legal battle between Trump and Attorney General Letitia James has finally come to a close, with James hailing the verdict as a “tremendous victory.” But how did it all begin? Well, we have to go back to 2019 when a newly-elected member of Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, took the stage and grilled Trump’s attorney, Michael Cohen, on his client’s financial practices. Little did anyone know at the time that this line of questioning would set in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to Trump being ordered to pay such a substantial sum. It’s a tale of political tenacity, legal maneuvering, and the pursuit of justice. So, let’s dive into the details and unravel the story behind this historic verdict.

1. AOC’s Questioning

In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a newly-elected member of Congress, questioned Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, during a hearing before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. She specifically asked Cohen if Trump had ever inflated his assets, to which Cohen responded affirmatively.

2. Cohen’s Testimony

Cohen’s testimony before Congress shed light on potential misconduct and fraudulent practices within Trump’s business dealings. He implicated other individuals, including Allen Weisselberg, Ron Lieberman, and Matthew Calamari, who were aware of Trump’s actions.

3. Lawsuit by Letitia James

Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil suit against Trump and his company, based on the information revealed during Cohen’s testimony. The lawsuit alleged fraudulent practices and sought penalties and restitution.

4. Verdict and Penalties

After a yearslong legal battle, a judge recently ordered Trump, his company, and associates to pay nearly $364 million in penalties. Trump himself has been ordered to personally pay $355 million. The judge described the fraudulent practices as shocking and a violation of conscience.

5. Ongoing Controversy

The Trump organization has denounced the verdict as a “gross miscarriage of justice” and is expected to appeal. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of Trump’s presidency and the allegations of fraudulent business practices. The verdict represents a significant blow to Trump’s financial standing and reputation.

In conclusion, the recent order for Donald Trump to pay $355 million as part of a fraud trial verdict marks a significant development in the yearslong legal battle between him and Attorney General Letitia James. This saga traces back to 2019 when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of Congress, questioned Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, about Trump’s business practices during a hearing. Cohen’s testimony shed light on potential fraudulent activities, leading to the filing of a civil suit by James. The recent verdict, which described the frauds as shocking, represents a tremendous victory for James. While Trump and his organization have denounced the decision and are expected to appeal, this landmark ruling highlights the consequences of fraudulent conduct and the importance of congressional oversight.