Court rejects Trump’s bid to delay New York trial for business fraud

NEW YORK — A New York appeals court on Thursday denied Donald Trump’s last-ditch effort to delay a civil trial in which he is accused of massive business fraud, allowing the trial to begin Monday as scheduled.

It’s the latest legal setback for Trump in the case. On Tuesday, the trial judge ruled that Trump and his business empire inflated his net worth in order to deceive banks and insurers, resolving one of the key claims in the lawsuit, which was filed by New York Attorney General Tish James.

Earlier this month, Trump asked an appeals court to intervene in the case. He argued that the trial judge, Arthur Engoron, had failed to comply with an earlier appellate decision that, according to Trump, limited the scope of the case against him. As part of his request, Trump asked the appeals court to postpone the trial — a bid staunchly opposed by James.

In a terse order on Thursday afternoon, the appeals court technically left unresolved Trump’s underlying effort to force Engoron to issue certain rulings in Trump’s favor, because the court is still receiving arguments on that question. But the court denied Trump’s request for a delay — a signal that the court is likely not receptive to Trump’s attempt to throw a last-minute wrench in the proceedings.

The trial is expected to address remaining claims, as well as to determine any financial penalties Trump may face. James’ office is seeking $250 million in penalties.