New york: A New York appellate court has overturned a USD500 million civil fraud penalty imposed on US President Donald Trump, determining that the financial punishment violated constitutional protections against excessive fines. The court, while maintaining findings that Trump and his company were liable for fraud by inflating property values to secure favorable loans and insurance, unanimously ruled that the hefty penalty breached the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution.

According to Philippines News Agency, Trump heralded the court's decision on his social media platform Truth Social, labeling it a "TOTAL VICTORY in the FAKE New York State Attorney General Letitia James Case!" He commended the judges for their bravery in overturning what he called an "unlawful and disgraceful decision" that was detrimental to businesses across New York State. Trump also claimed that, with interest and penalties, the total amount exceeded USD550 million, describing the case as "a Political Witch Hunt" and "Election Interference."

Trump further alleged that the case represented an attempt by the City and State to illegitimately portray his actions as incorrect, asserting that everything he did was "absolutely CORRECT and, even, PERFECT."

In a show of support, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated that his office spearheaded a multi-state brief advocating for Trump, which was endorsed by 14 additional states. They argued that the judgment violated constitutional protections under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, the latter of which ensures due process. Wilson characterized the penalty as "a blatant abuse of power and a weaponization of the justice system."