Trump appeals New York civil fraud verdict

Former President Donald Trump has asked a New York appeals court to void the nearly $500 million civil fraud judgment against him.

Trump's attorneys filed the paperwork Monday with a state intermediate appellate court challenging the February 16 verdict as "erroneous" and "egregious," The Associated Press reported.

Trump's attorneys argued the trial judge should have quickly dismissed N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James's lawsuit against Trump. James accused Trump of lying about his net worth to secure more favorable loan and insurance terms.

His attorneys also argued no harm resulted from Trump's alleged lies about his net worth. His attorneys also challenged some allegations as time-barred by the statute of limitations.

The trial judge rejected many of these contentions and allowed the trial to proceed.

Trump accused the judge of "tangible and overwhelming" bias. The trial judge found Trump committed civil fraud and imposed penalties of $355 million.

After the verdict against Trump, he put up a $175 million bond to halt asset forfeiture during his appeal. Interest continues to accrue on the judgment against him.

Accrued interest has grown to nearly $17 million and continues to accrue at nearly $112,000 daily.

James's office accused Trump's lawyers of making frivolous arguments on appeal and expressed confidence in her case before the appeals court.

"We won this case based on the facts and the law, and we are confident we will prevail on appeal," James said in a statement.