Judge orders Trump to pay $2 million

A New York judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump to pay $2 million to settle a lawsuit claiming he misused his charitable foundation. New York Attorney General Letitia James called the decision a “major victory,” though she initially asked for close to $3 million in restitution.

What did New York accuse the president of doing? James filed the lawsuit last year alleging Trump and his family illegally operated the foundation as an extension of his business and political interests. According to the lawsuit, the president used the foundation to boost his presidential campaign, pay off business debts, and purchase a portrait of himself. After Judge Saliann Scarpulla’s ruling Thursday, the Trump Foundation, which will be dissolved, said its remaining funds along with the fine will go to several charities, including the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the United Negro College Fund.

Dig deeper: Read Joel Belz’s column on what to consider in charitable giving.