Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, commented on August 22, 2025, about the New York Appellate Division's recent decision regarding Judge Engoron's ruling and ongoing legal actions involving former President Donald Trump.

In a post published on August 22, 2025, Schmitt stated: "The New York Appellate Division found that Engoron's decision to impose a $500 million fine was so 'grossly disproportional' and unsupported by evidence that it violated the 8th Amendment of the Constitution—which prohibits excessive fines."

On the same day, Schmitt posted another message referencing Judge Engoron: "Remember Judge Engoron? He is the rogue judge who bucked standard procedure to allow cameras so he could pose for the camera. He was the judge who issued this crazy judgment-—and whose decision the appeals court threw out today."

Schmitt also commented on New York Attorney General Letitia James in a separate post dated August 22, 2025: "While James’s baseless lawfare against President Trump collapses, she faces credible allegations that she committed several instances of mortgage fraud. It’s a classic case of Democrat projection: baselessly accuse your political rival of the wrongdoing you are guilty of"

Judge Arthur Engoron presided over civil proceedings against former President Donald Trump related to alleged business fraud. The original ruling included substantial financial penalties. The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits excessive fines as part of its protections.

Letitia James is currently serving as New York State Attorney General and has led several high-profile cases involving prominent political figures.