'Total victory': Trump hails $820 million court win
An appeals court in New York has dismissed the significant financial penalty that a state judge had placed on US President Donald Trump, while slightly confirming a verdict that he committed fraud by overstating his wealth for years.
This decision prevents Trump from potentially facing a $US500 million ($778 million) fine, yet it restricts him and his two eldest sons from holding corporate leadership positions for a few years.

In a social media comment, Trump declared “total victory”.

Former President Donald Trump, centre, sits at the defence table with his attorney’s Christopher Kise, left, and Alina Habba.(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

The civil fraud case was just one of several legal obstacles for Trump as he campaigned, won and segued to a second term as president.

On January 10, in his criminal hush money case, he was issued an unconditional discharge, maintaining his conviction but avoiding jail time, probation, a fine, or any other penalties. He is currently appealing the conviction.

Additionally, in December, a federal appeals court confirmed a jury’s decision that Trump sexually abused writer E Jean Carroll in the 1990s and subsequently defamed her, upholding a $US5 million judgment. The appeals court decided in June not to reexamine the case. Trump can still consider appealing to the Supreme Court.

Trump also is appealing a subsequent verdict that requires him to pay Carroll $US83.3 million for additional defamation claims.