Trump to Address Supporters After $355 Million Fraud Ruling
Trump’s First Rally Since Fraud Ruling
Donald Trump is set to address supporters at a campaign rally on Saturday for the first time since a New York judge ruled he must pay $354.9 million in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders. The former president, set to appear at an election rally in Michigan, was due to speak shortly after Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, who held an event in South Carolina.
Legal Troubles and Criminal Trials
Trump also faces four state and federal criminal trials, including one scheduled to start in New York on March 25, over alleged hush money payments to a porn star. That means Trump will become the first former U.S. president to stand trial on criminal charges. Haley frequently says “chaos” follows Trump, and that he can’t be an effective president or candidate because of his myriad legal problems.
Trump’s Reaction and Future Plans
Trump reacted furiously to Friday’s ruling in posts on his social media platform, after Justice Arthur Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years. Trump is close to clinching the Republican presidential nomination, and the prospect of a likely general election rematch with Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden, after recent nominating contest wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada.
Trump’s Activities Before Rally
Before his rally in Michigan, which holds Republican nominating contests on Feb. 27 and March 2, Trump appeared at a convention for sneaker fans in Philadelphia, where he launched his own sneaker brand – gold-topped with American flag logos. “I’ve wanted to do this a long time,” Trump said, before urging young people to vote.
Haley’s Remarks and Accusations Against Trump
At her rally on Saturday evening, Haley also attacked Trump for his failure to comment on the death of Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most prominent opposition leader. Haley, addressing a crowd in Irmo, South Carolina, accused Trump of cozying up to Putin in the past. She also referred to a speech Trump made on Feb. 10 when he said he would “encourage” Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to any NATO member who didn’t spend enough on defense. “Trump is siding with a thug who kills his own political opponents,” Haley said.
