Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, took the stand in a civil fraud trial in New York City, where he denied any involvement in the financial statements that are at the center of the case. The trial poses a significant threat to the Trump family's property empire.

Appearing relaxed in court, Donald Trump Jr, 45, cracked jokes and maintained his innocence. His siblings, Ivanka and Eric Trump, are also expected to testify in the coming days.

The trial has already revealed that the Trump Organization had exaggerated its wealth and falsified business records. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, is seeking a fine of $250 million (£204 million) and a ban on the former president conducting business in the state of New York.

Donald Trump Jr is the first of the Trump children to testify in the trial. He recently appeared on the conservative Newsmax network, referring to the trial as a "sham" and a "kangaroo court."

Accompanied by his lawyer and dressed in a blue suit and bright pink tie, Mr Trump Jr spent a little over an hour on the stand. He began by discussing Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), claiming limited familiarity with the subject but acknowledging what he learned during his business studies at university.

During questioning by state attorney Colleen Faherty, Mr Trump Jr generated laughter in the courtroom as he admitted, "I have no understanding" of GAAP. He further stated that he relies on his accountants to handle financial matters.

Despite his lack of accounting expertise, Mr Trump Jr stressed that he has been involved in various aspects of the family business. He explained that when his father took office as the Republican president in 2017, his role within the company expanded, and he and his brother became more independent in decision-making.

Mr Trump Jr apologized to the judge for speaking too quickly, jokingly saying, "I apologize, Your Honour, I moved to Florida, but I kept the New York pace."

The court proceedings were generally calm, with a few heated exchanges between Mr Trump's legal team and the New York attorney general's representatives towards the end of the questioning. Prosecutors attempted to determine if Mr Trump Jr had been involved in preparing financial statements for the Trump Organization, but he denied any direct participation, attributing the responsibility to accountants and experts.

New York Judge Arthur Engoron, a Democrat overseeing the trial, has already held Mr Trump liable for inflating his assets to obtain favorable loans. Prior to his son's testimony, Mr Trump criticized Judge Engoron on his Truth Social account, writing, "Leave my children alone, Engoron. You are a disgrace to the legal profession!"

Ivanka Trump, originally listed as a co-defendant in the case, has been removed from the docket and will testify as a witness on 8 November. Lawyers for Ivanka Trump have appealed against the order to testify.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump himself, who is currently the leading contender for the Republican presidential nominee in 2024, is expected to testify on Monday.

The trial will determine the penalty to be imposed on the Trump Organization, with the New York Attorney General seeking a substantial fine and a ban on the former president's business activities in the state.