Piling Up

Can Donald Trump afford his legal fees? [For the best experience, read in browser.]( February 19, 2024 Good morning. After some devastating legal rulings, Donald Trump's facing serious debt — here's [how he could pay it off](. Then, we explore [who could lead the Democratic Party]( after 2024. We’ve also got more on [why Brian Wilson’s family is seeking a conservatorship]( and [what happens in hospice]( care. Later on, we explain [the history of Presidents Day]( and share [the sales]( you can’t miss. Thanks for waking up with us.   In the News [Donald Trump in front of burning cash]( Getty Images Climbing Costs Donald Trump’s legal fees are piling up. On Friday, Judge Arthur Engoron ordered him to pay nearly $355 million in his New York civil fraud trial — but [can he afford it](? How much does Trump owe? New York Attorney General Letitia James, who first brought the case against him, said Trump owes $99 million in interest payments and these will “continue to increase every single day until it is paid.” He also must pay $125,000 for violating court orders. Can he afford to pay? While Trump's claimed to be worth over $10 billion, most estimates put that closer to $2 billion. Given the lack of transparency around his tax returns, it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to settle his debts. Wait, what do sneakers have to do with this? A day after the judge’s ruling, Trump started selling $399 shoes, which have already sold out. Despite speculation that he intends to use these funds to pay his penalties, his website claims it “has nothing to do with any political campaign.” Here are more details on Trump’s net worth and [whether he can use political donations]( to pay off these fines. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-and-policy%2Fhow-much-does-trump-owe%2F   More Stories [A mourner lays flowers at a spontaneous memorial in memory of the deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny]( Despite crackdowns, people lined up in the snow to pay their respects. (Getty Images) Eyes on Russia: At least 389 people have been arrested in Russia for publicly mourning the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a rights group reports. Navalny died suddenly in an Arctic penal colony on Friday, and an independent Russian newspaper reports that his bruised body has been seen in a morgue. Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnaya has blamed President Putin for his death, and called for him to be brought to justice. Gun violence: Two police officers and a firefighter were shot dead while responding to “a call of a family in danger” in Burnsville, Minnesota yesterday. Paul Elmstrand, 27, Matthew Ruge, 27, and Adam Finseth, 40, were killed, while officer Adam Medlicott was injured. An as-yet-unidentified armed man had barricaded himself inside a home containing seven children. He died during the encounter — but the children were able to leave safely. Going strong: One year ago, Jimmy Carter entered hospice care. At 99, he's the oldest living president in U.S. history. His grandson says that today, "we have no expectations for his body, but we know that his spirit is as strong as ever.” Here's more on [what happens during this end-of-life care](. Culture: Jeremy Renner got a standing ovation at the People's Choice Awards Sunday, just a year after the horrific snowplow accident that saw him break over 30 bones. Oppenheimer triumphed at the BAFTAs, winning seven awards — but the show ran into controversy when it left [Matthew Perry]( out of its "in memoriam" montage.   Ripple Effect [Hand pressing button on water cooler with globe instead of water jug]( Getty Images Want to help preserve our planet? So do we. That's why we're launching Ripple Effect, a brand-new newsletter that'll dive deep into the most pressing environmental issues. Every other week, we'll be taking a look at our wondrous world and what we can do to protect it for generations to come. [Sign up right here]( (for free!) to join the conversation. [SIGN UP HERE](   Must-Reads [Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and Gavin Newsom on blue background]( Who's Next? Amid growing concerns over Biden's age, we examine who else could be a democratic presidential nominee in 2024 or beyond. [Read More »]( [Illustration of George Washington in a frame]( More Than a Day Off Why do we celebrate Presidents Day — and how did this holiday come to be? We answer all your questions right here. [Read More »]( [Brian Wilson playing piano]( Heartbreaking Update Brian Wilson's longtime associates have filed to become the singer's co-conservators following his wife's recent death. [Read More »](   Menopause and Thinning Hair [Nutrafol Women's Balance supplement]( Nutrafol Menopause is so much more than hot flashes, and no one understands that better than our partners at Nutrafol, the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand. If you're struggling with maintaining your hair health, [Nutrafol Women's Balance]( is the first and only hair growth supplement for women ages 45+ with published clinical trials on menopausal women with thinning hair — and it is proven to improve hair growth in 3-6 months. [LEARN MORE](   Let's Take a Deal [White cardigan, black uggs, tan dutch oven, and white huminidfier on green background]( KCM We know Presidents Day wasn't established just to help us save some Benjamins, but it's certainly a perk. Get serious savings on everything from mattresses and furniture to clothing and beauty. Here are [the sales we're shopping](: - Nordstrom's [slashing prices by as much as 50%]( on brands you know and love (think: Tory Burch, Nike, and a whole lot more). - Use code SHOPNOW for [30% off at J.Crew](, where some marked-down items are eligible for an additional 50% off. - On top of [Zappos' sale prices]( which start at 49% off, it's also the brand's birthday. They'll be launching discounts like confetti, so keep an eye out. - Score savings on top of savings during [Wayfair’s Presidents Day sale](. [Furniture](, [décor]( , and more will be up to 70 percent off until Feb. 21 — and you’ll get free shipping, too. [SEE MORE SALES](   One More Thing Did you know National Lash Day was a thing? It's today, and to celebrate, Sephora is offering a [discount on GrandeLASH lash enhancing serum](. Say goodbye to uncomfortable extensions and falsies and say hello to longer, thicker lashes in as little as four weeks.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.