re: #465 Mattand

NYS judges, so Trump’s not involved at all.

The 2d Department of the Appellate Division covers NYC, so it’s not a conservative bastion in the slightest. They’re appointed by the governor (who in recent years has been Hochul (D), Cuomo (D), etc.).

Why the appellate division ruled this way is impossible to know since they didn’t give a reason. Putting the amount up is designed to insure that frivolous appeals are not undertaken. I know, it’s likely that Trump loses all of his appeals here, but I don’t think he’s going to put forth a frivolous matter (sanctions against the lawyers is a possibility too). He may still end up owing the full amount in disgorgement plus interest. He may be banned from serving on any board in NY. And all the rest of the verdict could get sustained.

This is procedural, and while it would have been fun watching him squirm to pay up the appeal/bond - and it’s been fun watching him admit that he can’t get the money together despite being a self-proclaimed billionaire, he’s still got 10 days to get the lower but still significant amount together.