Trump Org. Fined 1.6 Million

Trump Org. Fined 1.6 Million

Bradley Akin, Journalist

Owning about 500 business entities, 250 of them being under the Trump name, The Trump Organization was founded in 1927. Established by Elizabeth Christ Trump, Donald’s Grandmother, and Fred Trump, who is Donald’s grandmother and father. The Trump Organization has been around for just under 100 years, created in 1927 and originally named E. Trump & Son, but was eventually renamed in 1973, 2 years after Donald took control of the company. The Organization works with various companies and partnerships mainly providing real estate development, investing, brokerage, sales and marketing, and property management services. They own, operate, invest in, and develop many real estates, hotels, towers, resorts, and golf courses around the world. Though this large company is world-renowned, that doesn’t mean it can avoid consequences for certain actions.

For over two years now The Trump Organization has been investigated for many accounts of financial fraud, some including tax evasion and grand larceny. In 2020, two investigations were opened by the Manhattan district attorney (DA) and New York Attorney General (AG). The DA was successful in uncovering 17 charges consisting of tax fraud and the AG succeeded in an independent monitor to prevent future fraud by the organization. Mid-2021, AG Letitia James joined the DA’s criminal probe. Eventually, prosecutors filed 10 charges against the company explaining that this had taken place in a 15-year period to defraud the government. Felony charges were filed against chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg in which he invoked his Fifth Amendment right many times in his testimony. Later, in August 2022, a judge denied the defendant’s request to dismiss the criminal case. Finally, Weisselberg pleaded guilty and then agreed to testify against the Organization in return for a lighter sentence.  They were convicted of 17 felonies including tax fraud and falsifying business records over a decade-long scheme. Officially, the company has now been fined 1.6 million dollars which is the maximum amount allowed under New York law.