It’s been 293 days since appellate judges heard arguments in President Donald Trump’s appeal of a $454 million fraud ruling in a civil case brought by state Attorney General Tish James.

The average time for an appellate decision from such a point is 30 days.

Signed decisions can take longer, but almost never this long. //

Any judge on the panel can delay the release of a decision without having to give a reason. //

Court observers suspect that Presiding Justice Dianne Renwick — appointed by Gov. Hochul and a political ally — may be sitting on the decision.

Why?

Keeping the judgment on hold gives Hochul leverage over Trump on matters from federal aid to congestion-pricing to wind farms.

“Pure extortion,” as one attorney familiar with the case has remarked.