Barbara S. Jones, a former federal judge, now finds herself in an unprecedented role: overseeing the financial operations of Donald Trump’s business empire. Appointed by a New York court, Jones has been tasked with scrutinizing the finances of the former president’s organization for the next three years, a period that could potentially extend into a second Trump term if he were to win the 2024 election.
Jones’s appointment stems from a civil court ruling in February that found Trump liable for business fraud. The decision, which has largely faded from public attention as the presidential race intensifies, granted Jones extensive authority to examine the Trump Organization’s financial activities, including bank statements, accounting practices, and significant transactions.
Throughout her 50-year career, Jones has maintained a reputation for impartiality, carefully avoiding any expression of political views that could compromise her ability to serve as an objective arbiter in high-profile disputes. Her colleagues and former clerks describe her as fearless, a quality that may prove crucial in her current role as the first court-appointed monitor to oversee a former president’s business dealings.
Jones’s oversight role emerged from a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James against Trump, his two eldest sons, and their family business in 2022. The suit accused them of providing fraudulent financial information to banks and insurers to secure better rates. Prior to the trial, Judge Arthur Engoron appointed Jones as an independent monitor to prevent further fraud or illegal activities.
In February, Engoron found Trump and his business liable for fraud, ordering them to pay over $450 million in penalties and interest. He also extended Jones’s role to “keep defendants honest.” Trump has appealed the decision, including the penalties and the continuation of Jones’s monitorship.
Jones’s duties include reviewing financial statements, examining accounting methods, and scrutinizing significant financial
transactions before they occur. She is required to report any deficiencies, false statements, or material misrepresentations to the court.
In January, Jones submitted a 12-page report to the court, revealing that a long-claimed debt by Trump had never actually existed and that the Trump Organization had improperly failed to disclose a loan to Trump. This report drew criticism from the Trump Organization, whose lawyers demanded Jones’s removal and accused her of intentionally inflating her bill by cataloging minor accounting matters.
Despite the pushback, Judge Engoron noted that Trump’s attorneys had “changed their tune” about Jones, whom they had initially proposed for the role. The Trump Organization maintains that Jones’s role is unnecessary but states that they are complying with her oversight.
Jones’s career includes notable achievements as a prosecutor and federal judge. She successfully prosecuted high-profile mafia cases in the 1980s and later presided over cases involving attempted extortion of Bill Cosby and an $11 billion accounting fraud by WorldCom CEO Bernie Ebbers. In 2012, she struck down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act, ruling that it unconstitutionally discriminated against same-sex couples.
Since leaving the federal bench in 2013, Jones has been hired by various institutions, including the Pentagon, the NFL, and Fox News, to help address workplace misconduct and restore public trust. Her ability to navigate complex and politically charged situations has made her a sought-after arbiter in high-profile disputes.
As Jones continues her work monitoring Trump’s business, she faces the challenge of maintaining her reputation for fairness and objectivity in a highly politicized environment. Her friends and colleagues express confidence in her ability to withstand any potential criticism or pressure, citing her long-standing commitment to impartiality and the law.