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Trump Org. fined $1.6 million after conviction for 17 felonies

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A New York judge penalized the Trump Organization $1.6 million – the maximum penalty – on Friday for conducting a decade-long tax fraud scheme, a landmark moment because it is the only criminal conviction that has come close to Donald Trump.

Last month, two Trump companies, The Trump Corp. and Trump Payroll Corp., were convicted of 17 offenses, including tax evasion and falsifying corporate records.

Under New York law, corporations can only be penalized up to $1.6 million, which the Trump Organization can afford.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked Judge Juan Merchan to levy the maximum sentence on the Trump Organization, although he admitted that it would have “little impact” on a multibillion-dollar corporation.

“We all know that these organizations cannot go to jail like Allen Weisselberg,” Steinglass said on Friday, referring to the Trump Organization’s long-time chief financial officer, who was sentenced to five months in prison earlier this week as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. “The only way to stop someone from doing something like this is to make it as expensive as possible.”

This Verdict Was Momentous

On Friday, Alvin Bragg, the New York District Attorney, said that the fines against the Trump Organization are big, but he also wants lawmakers to make fines for businesses that break the law even bigger.

“This verdict was momentous,” Bragg said outside the courthouse on Friday, “the first ever for a criminal conviction of former President Trump’s enterprises, and I would go so far as to say the first time for any former president in my lifetime.”

However, Bragg believes that the fine is insufficient.

“To be clear, we do not believe that is sufficient; we believe that our laws in this state must be changed to catch this type of decade-plus widespread, atrocious fraud,” Bragg said.

Trump Organization Has 14 Days To Pay The Fine.

The real estate business is not in danger of being shut down because there is no legal mechanism to dissolve the company. No one will be imprisoned as a result of the jury’s decision. A felony conviction, on the other hand, may harm the Trump Organization’s reputation and ability to do business and acquire financing or contracts.

Trump and his family were not charged in this case, but prosecutors cited the former president several times during the trial about his link to the untaxed benefits given to certain officials, including company-funded homes, car leases, and personal expenses. According to one prosecution, Trump “explicitly sanctioned” tax evasion.

One juror said that the jury saw a “culture of deception” at the Trump Organization, but when they talked about Trump’s knowledge of the alleged crimes, they called him “Bob Smith.”

Weisselberg pleaded guilty to 15 charges concerning the tax fraud scheme last year and promised to testify honestly against the corporation at trial.

Weisselbeg Plead Guilty to 15 Charges

He remained on paid leave at the Trump Organization, where he was paid somewhat more than $1 million per year, until his sentence on Tuesday. Weisselberg received a “substantial” severance package, according to one individual familiar with the agreement.

Merchan, who sentenced Weisselberg, stated at the time that if it hadn’t been for the plea agreement, he would have sentenced Weisselberg to a longer time in prison after hearing the evidence at trial.

Merchan called it “offensive” that a $6,000 payroll check was made out to Weisselberg’s wife, who had never worked for Trump, so she could get Social Security payments.

According to a Trump Organization spokesman, Weisselberg “is a victim,” as is the firm and the previous president.

“Even though New York has become the world’s crime and murder capital, these politically driven prosecutors will stop at nothing to get President Trump and continue the never-ending witch-hunt that began the day he announced his candidacy,” the spokesperson stated. “We did nothing illegal and intended to challenge this decision.”

District Attorney’s Office Is Still Looking Into The Company’s Operations.

Prosecutors are conducting a broad investigation, and in recent months their focus has shifted back to the company’s role in hush-money payments made to keep adult film star Stormy Daniels from going public with an affair with Trump just before the 2016 election, according to people familiar with the matter. Trump has denied having an affair.

According to the people, prosecutors are also looking into potential insurance fraud after fresh information emerged from the New York attorney general’s civil inquiry into the integrity of the Trump Organization’s financial accounts.

The most serious threat to the company right now could be New York Attorney General Letitia James’ $250 million civil lawsuit, which claims Trump, his three eldest children, Weisselberg, and others defrauded lenders, insurers, and tax authorities for more than a decade by inflating the value of multiple Trump Organization properties.

In addition to monetary damages, James, a Democrat, is trying to permanently prevent Trump and the children mentioned in the case from acting as directors of a New York-registered firm. She is also attempting to have the Trump Organization’s corporate certificate revoked, which, if successful, would effectively force the company to discontinue operations in New York state.

The judge presiding over the case appointed an impartial monitor to assess the Trump Organization’s financial accounts and business decisions. He recently turned down requests to end the lawsuit and said he was considering punishing Trump’s lawyers. The trial date has been scheduled for October.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and claims the case is political.

SOURCE – (AP)

 

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics.

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Trump Takes Aim at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

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President-elect Donald Trump this week once again issued several taunts at Justin Trudeau

President-elect Donald Trump has shifted his attention from Congress’s spending plans to criticize Canada and its Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

Trump’s provocative statements directed at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made headlines this week, eliciting responses from both sides of the frontier.

Trump suggested on his platform, Truth Social, that Canadians may prefer their country to become the 51st state of the United States. He claimed that they would receive substantial benefits from reduced taxation and military protection.

He even addressed Justin Trudeau as “Governor,” a statement that has undoubtedly caused controversy in Canada. Many Canadian officials expressed their indignation in a prompt manner.

“We are Canadians first,” remarked a Canadian commentator, discounting Trump’s remarks as misguided.

The tension intensified after a surprise Thanksgiving dinner at Mar-a-Lago, during which Trump initially proposed that Canada could circumvent tariffs by becoming the 51st state to join the United States.

Trump has since expressed his apprehension regarding border security and has threatened to impose a substantial 25% tariff on all Canadian products.

It is important to acknowledge that the statistics provide a different perspective. The Canadian border has experienced a fraction of the number of arrests in comparison to the southern border of the United States with Mexico.

US Canada Ties

The economic relationship between the United States and Canada is substantial, with an exchange of products valued at approximately $2.7 billion on a daily basis.

Nevertheless, the notion of becoming the 51st state is profoundly offensive to many Canadians, despite the fact that Trump’s allies in Washington D.C. have characterized his remarks as humorous.

Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, downplayed any indication of tensions between the two countries. Hillman stated, “I believe that the president-elect is enjoying himself.” “Canada is capable of accommodating it.” You are aware that we possess a robust sense of self and are capable of communicating it.

“The United States is like family,” she stated to Politico.

The president-elect is well-known to Hillman. She played a critical role in the negotiation of Canada’s portion of the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement during his most recent administration. Additionally, she traveled to Mar-a-Lago with Trudeau for the diplomatic dinner just a few weeks ago.

Canada is considering retaliatory tariffs in response to Trump’s threats. It is crucial to bear in mind that a significant fraction of the energy imports of the United States are sourced from Canada.

Specifically, approximately 60% of crude oil and 85% of electricity are sourced from our northern neighbor.

The consequences of Trump’s remarks on U.S.-Canada relations are far from clear as the situation continues to develop.

Navigating these tensions and preserving a robust economic partnership will require the ongoing dialogue between the two nations.

Support for Trudeau Diminishing

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing increasing pressure to resign, as an increasing number of Liberal MPs have joined the call for his resignation in response to the tumultuous week that has befallen his party.

Global News reported that over half of the 75 Liberal MPs from Ontario convened for a one-hour meeting on Saturday to discuss the leadership of their party.

At the caucus meeting, only a small number of MPs expressed their support for Trudeau’s continued leadership. However, a significant number of them expressed their desire for him to step down, stating that his brand has become “toxic.”

Chandra Arya, who represents the Ottawa constituency of Nepean, was among the attendees at the meeting on Saturday.

Arya published a letter he wrote to Trudeau on Friday, in which he requested that he “step aside as leader of the Liberal caucus immediately.”

Arya wrote in the letter dated Dec. 20 and shared on X, “I have consistently supported you since last summer, even when some of our colleagues called for your resignation, while I align as a fiscally-center-right Liberal and have often disagreed with your left-leaning positions.”

“However, it was evident today that the House of Commons no longer has faith in you.” I am now reasonably certain that the Liberal caucus’s majority no longer endorses your leadership.

Arya did not disclose the events of Saturday’s meeting during an interview with Global News on Sunday; however, he stated that it verified the information he had previously written in his letter.

He stated that the number of Liberal MPs who have joined calls for Trudeau to step down has “begun to increase” over the past 48 to 72 hours.

“I believe that the prime minister is seriously considering,” Arya stated.

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NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Vows to Topple Trudeau Government

 

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NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Vows to Topple Trudeau Government

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Jagmeet Singh says NDP will vote to bring down Trudeau government

Canada’s opposition leader said his caucus plans to vote against Justin Trudeau’s government. If the prime minister does not seek a temporary suspension of parliament, the country will be plunged into an election early next year.

If the NDP gains support from other major opposition parties, Trudeau’s government would be forced to step down, sparking an election shortly after Donald Trump’s expected return to the White House in Washington DC.

Trudeau’s Liberals currently lack a majority in the House of Commons and have relied on NDP backing to pass laws and remain in power. Singh and Trudeau previously agreed on a cooperation deal, but the NDP leader ended that arrangement in September.

Singh’s declaration came just before Trudeau unveiled changes to his cabinet, a move aimed at steadying his government following Chrystia Freeland’s surprising resignation as finance minister earlier in the week. Polls show the Liberals are unpopular, and Trudeau is under internal pressure to resign after Freeland’s departure.

“The Liberals don’t deserve another chance,” Singh said. “That’s why the NDP will vote to end this government and let Canadians choose new leadership.”

Trudeau is expected to consider his political future over the holidays, and parliament will reconvene on January 27.

One option for Trudeau is asking the governor-general to prorogue parliament, which would end the current session. This move could delay Singh’s non-confidence vote by postponing lawmakers’ return to Ottawa.

The new cabinet begins its term amid economic uncertainty, worsened by Trump’s threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods.

Dominic LeBlanc — who joined the prime minister at a dinner meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November — was sworn in as finance minister on Monday after Freeland quit.

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced changes to his Cabinet. He said the new cabinet will prioritize Canadians’ most important objectives: enhancing the economy and reducing the cost of living.

The team will continue to advance in housing, child care, and school food while striving to return more money to Canadians’ wallets, building on the investments made since 2015.

The changes to the cabinet are as follows:

  • Anita Anand becomes Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
  • Gary Anandasangaree becomes Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
  • Steven MacKinnon becomes Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
  • Ginette Petitpas Taylor becomes President of the Treasury Board

The Prime Minister also welcomed the following new members of his Cabinet:

  • Rachel Bendayan becomes Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety
  • Élisabeth Brière becomes Minister of National Revenue
  • Terry Duguid becomes Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
  • Nate Erskine-Smith becomes Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
  • Darren Fisher becomes Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
  • David J. McGuinty becomes Minister of Public Safety
  • Ruby Sahota becomes Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
  • Joanne Thompson becomes Minister of Seniors.

These new ministers will work with all members of the Cabinet to deliver real, positive change for Canadians. They join the following ministers remaining in their portfolio:

  • Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services
  • Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
  • François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
  • Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
  • Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
  • Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
  • Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
  • Mark Holland, Minister of Health
  • Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
  • Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
  • Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
  • Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
  • Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
  • Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs
  • Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
  • Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
  • Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
  • Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
  • Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
  • Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
  • Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
  • Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
  • Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
  • Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
  • Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
  • Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

 

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Trudeau Accused of “Phony Feminism” After Freeland’s Departure

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Freeland's resignation letter didn't mention gender, but Trudeau accused of phoney feminism anyway

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a backlash for claiming to be a feminist after firing Chrystia Freeland as Finance Minister and replacing her with Dominic Leblanc on Tuesday.

Justin Trudeau has positioned himself as a feminist leader, a central element of his political identity. In 2015, Canada made history by appointing its first gender-equal cabinet, a significant step in the ongoing effort to champion women’s rights policies.

Trudeau aimed to solidify his reputation as a pioneer in the fight for gender equality. Recent accusations of “phoney feminism” have sparked a heated debate regarding the consistency between his statements and his actions.

Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the cabinet has sparked criticism directed at Prime Minister Trudeau, raising questions about his approach to women in leadership roles.

Chrystia Freeland, previously regarded as one of Prime Minister Trudeau’s closest allies, has officially resigned from her position as Finance Minister. In her resignation letter, she notably omitted any reference to gender issues.

Freeland’s departure mirrors Trudeau’s removal of several high-profile women;

  • Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Attorney General, was removed in 2019 after the SNC-Lavalin controversy.
  • Jane Philpott, then President of the Treasury Board, was also ousted following her support for Wilson-Raybould.
  • Celina Caesar-Chavannes, a Liberal MP, left politics after claiming Trudeau didn’t handle internal disagreements well.

These firings have fuelled debates about his handling of women in leadership positions and made a mockery of his claims of being a feminist.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau for the optics of replacing Freeland with a male cabinet member, calling it evidence of Trudeau’s “fake feminism.”

“Just blame Chrystia Freeland and make her wear it all. Some feminist,” Poilievre said at a news conference on Tuesday.

The same week as Trudeau was insulting Americans for not electing a woman president, he was busy throwing his own woman deputy prime minister under the bus to replace her with a man, Poilievre commented.

Prominent Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner asked how any woman in that caucus could “defend that man instead of calling for an election now,” while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Trudeau needed to start proving himself if he was going to keep declaring himself “to be such a supporter of women.”

MP Melissa Lantsman referred to an “old boys’ club” being in charge.

“It’s time for credible leadership in the seriousness of this moment, not the fake feminism of this phoney prime minister,” said Lantsman, who represents the Conservatives in the Thornhill riding.

Former Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes said she believes there is a pattern of female cabinet ministers who were “thrown under the bus” after “challenging someone whose name is Trudeau.”

Trudeau Defended

However, while Freeland’s resignation has sparked accusations of sexism, political experts suggest that focusing solely on gender may oversimplify the issue.

Freeland, an accomplished politician and the country’s first female Finance Minister left primarily due to policy disagreements. Her decision was less about being a powerful woman and more about divergent views on leadership and economic strategy.

Political scientist Dr. Melanee Thomas remarked that qualified women in politics often face frustrations when their expertise is dismissed.

She cautioned against reducing complex political dynamics to gender alone. By framing Freeland’s resignation solely as evidence of sexism, the broader challenges faced by all leaders in Trudeau’s cabinets—men and women alike—are overlooked.

Trudeau has remained relatively quiet, stating that Freeland’s departure was not an “easy day” for him.

Unlike previous controversies, he has not publicly defended his feminist credentials since Freeland’s resignation, leaving a vacuum for critics to dominate the narrative.

Over the years, Trudeau has said that “adding women changes politics,” presenting himself as an ally for feminist causes. His silence now begs the question: does he believe his track record speaks for itself, or is he struggling to respond to the growing skepticism?

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