Tensions escalate in courtroom as Trump trial commences

Former President Donald Trump launched an attack on a judge and prosecutor as he attended the first day of a fraud trial that poses a threat to his business empire. Dressed in a blue suit, Trump walked past the prosecutor who brought the case without acknowledgment. The State's attorney general, Letitia James, averted her gaze and focused straight ahead. Throughout the opening statements, Trump occasionally glanced at Judge Arthur Engoron while addressing the court. Prior to entering the courtroom, Trump referred to the judge as a "rogue adjudicator" in a heated tirade outside the court. He also criticized Letitia James in his remarks to reporters. Despite expectations of a tense atmosphere, the interactions between the key figures in the trial were minimal. Prosecutors accused Trump and his co-defendants, including his children Donald Jr. and Eric, of fraud, falsification of business records, issuing false financial statements, and conspiracy. The trial began with the attorney general's team accusing Trump and his co-defendants of intentionally and persistently committing fraud. Last week, Judge Engoron ruled against Trump, finding that he had overvalued his properties to obtain favorable bank loans. In response, Trump's lawyers attacked Letitia James' arguments, with one defense attorney claiming that Trump did not inflate the value of his assets. During the proceeding, tensions escalated as Trump's attorney and the judge argued about various issues, including whether expert opinions counted as testimony. The judge also expressed his disapproval of attacks on Letitia James, stating that he had already dismissed claims that the lawsuit was politically motivated. However, the afternoon in court was relatively calmer, with the first witness, former Trump accountant Donald Bender, testifying on behalf of the attorney general's office. Bender discussed his work on Trump's tax returns and accounting for his corporate entities. The trial, which is expected to last three months, will be decided by Judge Engoron rather than a jury. If convicted, none of the defendants will face jail time as this is a civil case, not a criminal one. Letitia James is seeking $250 million in damages and sanctions that could impact the Trumps' business operations in New York. There is even a possibility that Trump could lose some of his signature properties. The outcome of this trial holds significant consequences for the former president's business ventures.