In a scathing order issued on Monday, New York County Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron delivered a severe critique of New York University accounting professor Eli Bartov, the star witness for former President Donald Trump's defense, as he dismissed Trump's latest attempt for a directed verdict in his favor. The judge ripped apart Bartov's testimony, stating that he had "lost all credibility" and accused him of stubbornly defending apparent misstatements in Trump's financial documents at the heart of the case.

Highlighting the monetary influence on expert testimonies, Judge Engoron wrote, "Bartov is a tenured professor, but all that his testimony proves is that for a million or so dollars, some experts will say whatever you want them to say." This scathing remark underscores the judge's skepticism towards Bartov's testimony, suggesting that some individuals are willing to twist the truth for financial gain.

Bartov, who was the final expert witness for the defense, aimed to strengthen arguments that the financial statements in question did not indicate fraud within the Trump Organization's accounting practices. During his two days on the stand last week, Bartov adamantly denied finding any evidence of accounting fraud and dismissed the $250 million lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James as "absurd." However, it was later revealed that Bartov had been paid a substantial sum of approximately $877,500 by Trump's legal team for his services.

In denying Trump's fifth attempt for a directed verdict, Judge Engoron pointed out the flaw in the former president's arguments, particularly his assumption that the testimony of the defense's experts was true and accurate. Referring to Bartov's substantial fee, the judge implied that it may have influenced the professor's testimony.

Following the judge's order, Bartov expressed shock at the judge's characterization of his testimony, calling it a "complete mischaracterization." He also challenged the notion that his fees had any impact on his testimony.

In response to the ruling, Trump, who has been regularly bashing the trial on his Truth Social platform, criticized Judge Engoron, claiming bias and attacking the judge's decision. The former president continued to assert that the lawsuit is "rigged" and the participants involved are "corrupt."

The civil lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges that Trump, his adult sons Don Jr and Eric, the Trump Organization, and several executives deliberately inflated Trump's net worth and assets to secure favorable financing terms. In a significant pretrial ruling in September, Judge Engoron found Trump liable for fraud, stating that the Trump Organization "grossly and materially inflated" asset values for over a decade.

After nearly two months of courtroom testimony from Trump himself, his adult children, and daughter Ivanka, the trial is now reaching its conclusion. In January, Judge Engoron will hear oral arguments before determining the penalties Trump will face. The lawsuit seeks to recover $250 million in allegedly ill-gotten gains and aims to prevent the Trumps from conducting business in the state, potentially dealing a significant financial blow to the former president and his Trump Organization.