Voters Clash Over Whether Trump Must Pay $454M Bond in Fraud Case Appeal
By Jake Beardslee ·
March 25, 2024
Voters are sharply divided along party lines over whether former President Donald Trump should have to pay a $454 million bond while appealing his stunning civil fraud case loss, according to a new Harvard CAPS-Harris poll. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
The poll found that 52% of voters believe Trump must put up the full $454 million bond ordered by the judge, as is normally required for an appeal to proceed. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
This group includes overwhelming majorities of Democrats (80%) and independents (51%). Clay Banks/Unsplash
However, nearly as many (48%) said Trump should be allowed to appeal the ruling with posting a smaller bond amount - a view held by 77% of Republicans surveyed. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
The split reflects the partisan fault lines surrounding the former president and any legal proceedings against him. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
Trump was found liable for fraudulently misstating his net worth to obtain better loan terms, with New York judge Arthur Engoron ordering him to pay $350 million in penalties that grew to $454 million with interest. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
While a slim 54% majority called the over $350 million penalty amount fair, including 85% of Democrats and 56% of independents, a sizable 46% minority dubbed it unfair - comprising a lopsided 80% of Republicans. Michael Vadon/Wikimedia
In addition to the historic monetary penalty, Trump was barred from leading any New York-based businesses for three years as part of the ruling last month. Emil Engler/Wikimedia
His sons Donald Jr. and Eric Trump were each fined $4 million, according to CNN. Michael Vadon/Wikimedia
Trump immediately appealed the decision, but to pursue that appeal he must first put up the entire $454 million penalty amount as a bond, per standard legal procedure. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
However, in a filing earlier this month, Trump's attorneys claimed securing that staggering sum was "impossible" for the former president, according to CNN. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
If Trump fails to meet the Monday deadline to post the bond, New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned she will begin seizing his assets, already taking initial steps toward claiming Trump's Seven Springs estate, according to Newsweek. WBLS/Wikimedia
The Harvard CAPS-Harris survey, conducted Wednesday and Thursday, polled 2,111 registered voters online. Clay Banks/Unsplash
Although the online survey method does not allow for calculating standard margins of error, the poll results illustrate the intense partisan divide over Trump's legal battles and controversies. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
As the appeals process begins, the requirement to post a full bond pending the outcome is now a major flashpoint - underscoring how Trump's business practices and reconstituted political career remain enormously controversial nearly three years after leaving office. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
