Former President Donald Trump's legal team has made a bold move in the ongoing battle over a $454 million civil fraud judgment in New York. In court papers filed on Wednesday, Trump's lawyers proposed posting a $100 million bond to halt the collection of the staggering penalty while his appeal plays out. The offer comes in response to a provision in Judge Arthur Engoron's ruling that bans Trump, his company, and co-defendants from obtaining loans from New York banks for three years, making it impossible to secure a bond for the full amount.

During an emergency hearing at a New York appellate court, Trump's lawyers argued that the exorbitant and punitive nature of the judgment, coupled with the blanket prohibition on lending transactions, would make it impossible to secure and post a complete bond. On the other hand, the New York Attorney General Letitia James' office opposes Trump's plan, stating that his lawyers have all but conceded he has insufficient liquid assets to satisfy the judgment.

Engoron's ruling, which was made official on Feb. 23, found that Trump and his company schemed for years to deceive banks and insurers by inflating his wealth on financial statements. The judgment includes penalties such as strict limitations on the Trump Organization's ability to do business. If Trump fails to pay the judgment, James has said she will seek to seize some of his assets.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, white powder was found in an envelope addressed to Judge Engoron at his Manhattan courthouse, marking the latest security scare involving the judge. This comes after a bomb threat at the judge's home in January and hundreds of harassing and threatening calls, emails, letters, and packages received by Engoron's chambers since the start of Trump's trial.

Trump's appeal, filed on Monday, challenges Engoron's finding that he lied about his wealth to grow his real estate empire. His lawyers are asking the appeals court to determine whether the judge committed errors of law or fact and whether he abused his discretion. If upheld, the ruling will force Trump to give up a significant portion of his fortune, with the total penalty growing by nearly $112,000 per day until paid.

Despite the legal challenges and mounting penalties, Trump maintains that he is worth several billion dollars and has significant assets to cover the judgment. The appeal ensures that the legal battle over Trump's business practices will continue, potentially impacting his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump's lawyers remain confident that the appeals court will overturn the verdict and end what they describe as relentless persecution against their client.