From Time Magazine:

Donald Trump’s business ventures are marred by failures. His nearly $930,000 payment to New York University accounting professor Eli Bartov during civil fraud case testimony is among $54 million spent on legal fees last year, reports the Associated Press. Bartov’s testimony had no credibility, says New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron.

Save America, Trump’s political action committee, made up 84% of the $54 million legal expenses. This has brought Trump’s two-year legal fees total to $76.7 million, all paid for by his campaign donors.

Despite major legal expenses, Trump’s campaign funding remains high, with spending unlikely to hamper his presidential run. Trump has blasted felony charges as an attack on his political bid, with legal fees reaching $5 million for some lawyers including Alina Habba, the highest paid at $6 million.

Legal issues have brought publicity to Trump’s legal battles. He has criminal charges in different states and faces severe financial penalties if found guilty. Richard Briffault, an expert in campaign finance regulation and government ethics, doubts the legal fees will hurt Trump’s presidential campaign.

Trump asserts his innocence, blaming his numerous legal fights on partisan attempts to hinder his run. Despite million-dollar legal fees, his fundraising has continued to grow, with legal expenses being unlikely to affect his campaign.

Trump’s former law firms may reach the level of legal bankruptcy, with the tallied fees reaching millions. His attorneys, including Steven Sadow and Alina Habba, have accumulated millions in payouts.

Trump’s personal attorneys have accumulated more than $5 million each in litigation fees. He has used campaign funds to pay several middlemen and potential witnesses in his legal challenges.

Trump’s-funded attempts to evade charges and liabilities show his influence on 2024’s presidential race. He continues to raise massive campaign funds despite huge legal spending. And his legal tussles are drawing massive attention, with Trump emphasizing the need for fair treatment.



Read more: Donald Trump spent $76 million on legal fees in 2022, 2023