The Disgorgement of Donald Trump

Your introduction to the disgusting legal terminology surrounding the former president's legal obligation to pay Letitia James $454 million by March 25.

Blowing chunks, as depicted in a 14th century Latin edition of an 11th century medical treatise by ibn Butlan of Baghdad.

Something I learned this week that made my inner 12 year-old smile is that the legal term for surrendering profits obtained through fraudulent or otherwise dishonest business practices is “disgorgement.” The State of New York is quite literally ordering Donald Trump to vomit up $454 million. No wonder we’re hearing so much about Trump’s liquidity! When you disgorge, a lot of liquid is mixed in with whatever else took up temporary residence inside your stomach. Indeed, a popular slang term for throwing up, I am informed by Buzzfeed, is “liquid scream.” This disgusting jurisprudential terminology helps clarify why surety companies won’t accept non-liquid assets like Trump’s real estate holdings as collateral. Without liquid in your gut you’re never going to drive that big porcelain bus. You’ll just dry heave. That’s what Trump is doing at the moment. He’s sticking three fingers down his throat and gagging all over Truth Social.

I don’t know how long I’ll continue to focus exclusively on Trump’s March 25 deadline (that’s Monday) to spew $454 million, but for now anyway I can’t tear myself away. My latest, in The New Republic, explains why it’s so difficult for the normally loquacious Trump to Call Roy. You can read it here.