New York Bans Donald Trump From Doing Business in State

A New York judge ruled Friday, Feb. 16, 2025, against Trump, imposing a $364 million penalty over what the judge ruled was a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and, more significantly, banned Donald Trump on Friday from conducting business in New York for three years after he found the former president liable for business fraud. This landmark decision stems from a civil fraud case initiated by New York attorney general Letitia James, who sought $370m (£294m) and a ban on Trump and other defendants from doing business in the state.

The New York attorney general asked a judge to ban former President Donald Trump from doing real estate business in the state for life, ban him from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or similar business entity. The former president is facing $250 million in penalties and a ban on doing business in New York when the judge overseeing his civil fraud trial delivers a verdict in the matter.

Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling represents a significant blow to Trump's business empire in New York. Such a ban on doing business will undoubtedly have wide-ranging implications for his real estate holdings and future business ventures within the state.

Despite the business ban, Donald Trump will be allowed to temporarily steer the family company and apply for loans from Empire State banks to help post a bond to cover his $454 million civil penalty. This temporary allowance provides a narrow pathway for Trump to manage his assets while navigating the legal challenges.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.