The New York Appeals court permits Trump and his sons to continue operating their business while rejecting a request to postpone payment.

The New York Appeals Court judge has rejected former President Trump's request to postpone payment of the $464 million debt to the state following Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit, but has granted a temporary reprieve for the 2024 presidential hopeful and his sons to continue operating their business during the appeals process.

Earlier this month, Trump and his sons Donald Jr. and Eric Trump were prohibited from operating their business in New York for a period of two to three years. Additionally, Trump was held responsible for paying hundreds of millions of dollars in damages in a civil fraud case brought against him, his family, and the Trump Organization by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The former president is appealing the ruling.

On Wednesday, a New York Appeals Court judge ruled that the former president must post a bond for the full amount of the judgment and an independent director of compliance will be appointed.

The judge has granted a temporary reprieve to Trump and his sons, allowing them to continue managing their business while they appeal the verdict.

The filing is a preliminary order that will be followed by a motion heard by the full Appeals Court. Letitia James' brief to the panel is due on March 11, while Trump's replies are due on March 18.

After a months-long trial in October, New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that the former president had inflated his assets and committed fraud, as alleged in James' lawsuit.

Trump and defendants were found guilty of "repeated fraud," "falsifying business records," "issuing false financial statements," "conspiracy to falsify false financial statements," "insurance fraud," and "conspiracy to commit insurance fraud," according to Engoron's ruling.

In addition to being banned from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or legal entity for two years, the judge also barred Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump from doing so.

The court permanently barred defendants Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney from serving in the financial control function of any New York corporation or similar business entity registered and/or licensed in New York State, and as a director of any New York corporation or other legal entity in New York for three years.

Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, filed a lawsuit against Trump and his organization, accusing them of fraudulent business practices. The court hearings were tumultuous, with Engoron frequently imposing a partial gag order on Trump to prevent him from disparaging court employees.

Trump was being sought for $370 million, plus 9% interest in penalties by James. The awarded funds would go to the New York State Treasury, unless directed otherwise by the state comptroller.

Trump consistently characterized the trial as a "witch hunt," claiming that Engoron and James were working as political operatives for Democrats. Trump's legal team frequently criticized the trial for not having a jury.

"A Trump spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle Digital last month that there was never an option for a jury trial. It is unfortunate that a jury won't be able to hear the absurdity of the case and determine that no wrongdoing occurred."

Trump and his family maintained their innocence, with the ex-president asserting that his assets had been undervalued. Trump's legal team emphasized that his financial statements contained disclaimers, and advised banks to perform their own evaluations.

Trump stated that his financial statements were "impeccable," and emphasized that the bank loans were repaid and "extremely content."

During the trial, Trump's lawyers presented witnesses, including former Deutsche Bank executives, who stated that the bank aimed to gain more business from Trump, whom they considered a valuable client.

In the case, Trump's defense presented expert witnesses, including New York University accounting professor Eli Bartov, who examined the financial statements at dispute and concluded there was no evidence of fraudulent accounting practices.

Last month, Bartov stated that Trump's financial statements adhered to accounting standards, and he attributed any discrepancies, such as a significant increase in the estimated value of his Trump Tower penthouse, to errors.

"Bartov stated that he found no evidence of any accounting fraud and that Trump's financial statements were not materially misstated."