New York appeals judge temporarily allows Trump to continue controlling his businesses

Former President Donald Trump will maintain control of his ventures in New York, at least for the time being. An appeals judge issued the ruling on Friday. The order will temporarily pause Trump's business certificates from being revoked and the Trump Organization from being dissolved. The latter had been ordered by Judge Arthur Engoron in September, a decision that Trump's legal team appealed.

Judge Peter Moulton also ruled against Trump's attempt to stop the ongoing civil fraud trial, denying defense attorneys' request to pause the proceedings while they appeal Engoron's ruling.

Therefore, the trial against Trump for allegedly manipulating the valuation of his assets will proceed as planned. This week, a dozen witnesses will take the stand, including the former president himself.

"Politically-motivated persecution"

In a statement, the Trump Organization welcomed the judge's decision to block the "overzealous attempt to cancel our New York business certificates."

It also described Engoron's order against Trump as a "clear violation" of Trump's fundamental constitutional rights and due process. The Trump Organization vowed to continue to "vigorously defend" the company and its employees "from this politically-motivated persecution."