At the last minute

Trump’s bail reduced and ten days left

At the last minute, Trump's lawyers obtained a postponement of the enormous bail amount.(Bild: AFP)

More or less at the last minute, Donald Trump's lawyers have obtained a postponement in court regarding his bail of millions. Instead of 454 million US dollars, the former US president "only" has to deposit 175 million - and has ten more days to do so.

The clock would have run out for Donald Trump at midnight New York time. If he had not deposited the 454 million US dollars with the public prosecutor's office, New York's Attorney General Letitia James could have begun freezing his accounts and seizing his assets such as property and real estate.

Donald Trump(Bild: AFP)

Ten more days
But it wouldn't be Donald Trump if he hadn't pulled his head out of the noose at the last minute. As the "New York Times" reported on Monday, Trump's lawyers were not only able to achieve a significant reduction in bail to 175 million US dollars instead of the 454 million originally demanded - Trump also has ten more days to hand over the money. 

Verdict in fraud trial brought mega bail
Several trials are currently underway against Trump in the USA; the trial with the enormous bail is about many years of financial fraud. Trump was sentenced to a fine of more than 350 million dollars in February.

With interest, the total amount due now amounts to the aforementioned 450 million US dollars (415.78 million euros). Following the decision by Judge Arthur Engoron, Trump was given 30 days to post this bail, which would have expired at midnight on Monday.

Trump begged his fans
However, Trump had applied to an appeals court to either suspend payment of the fine or to accept a guarantee of payment of just 100 million dollars for the time being. The purpose of such a bond is to ensure that winners in civil proceedings actually get their money if the loser is unsuccessful in an appeal. The path through the courts can take years.

It had previously been rumored that the former US president, who intends to stand for re-election this year, would not be able to deposit such a large sum. Trump had then asked his supporters for donations - but at the same time emphasized that he naturally had the necessary funds.

Stormy Daniels trial starts as planned
While Trump has now at least obtained a postponement regarding the mega-bail, the trial regarding the hush money payment of 130,000 US dollars to porn actress Stormy Daniels will start as planned on April 15. Trump's lawyers had tried to intervene here, but to no avail. Judge Juan Merchan ended the hearing with the words: "I'll see you all on the 15th."