Voters split over whether Trump should pay $454M bond: Poll

Voters are split on whether former President Trump should have to pay the $454 million bond he must put up by Monday while he appeals the ruling in his civil fraud case, according to a new poll.

The Harvard CAPS-Harris poll found that 52 percent of respondents believe Trump should have to post the bond to appeal the ruling, while 48 percent said he should be allowed to appeal with posting a smaller bond. Those who say he should have to pay the full amount include 80 percent of Democrats, 51 percent of independents and 23 percent of Republicans.

A slightly larger 54 percent said the size of the penalty Trump must pay is fair, including 85 percent of Democrats and 56 percent of independents. Eight in 10 Republicans were part of the 46 percent who said it is unfair.

Last month, Judge Arthur Engoron ordered Trump to pay more than $350 million in penalties — along with interest, getting the sum to $454 million — after finding the former president, the Trump Organization and several executives liable for fraud. New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) argued that Trump changed his net worth on financial documents to receive tax benefits and gain more favorable terms on loans.

Trump was also barred from leading any New York business for three years. Two of Trump’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, were each ordered to pay $4 million.

Trump appealed the decision later in the month, but he needs to provide the total amount in a bond while the appeal plays out. His attorneys said in a filing this month that their client has been unable to secure the amount and that doing so was “impossible.”

If Trump does not meet Monday’s deadline, James has indicated that she would move to start seizing Trump’s assets. Her office has already taken a first step toward seizing Trump’s golf resort and private estate called Seven Springs in Westchester County.

The Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey was conducted Wednesday and Thursday and surveyed 2,111 registered voters. It is a collaboration of the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and the Harris Poll.

The survey is an online sample drawn from the Harris Panel and weighted to reflect known demographics. As a representative online sample, it does not report a probability confidence interval.