Former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial in New York reached a heated moment on Monday, as he directed his anger towards the judge and prosecutor from the witness stand. The trial, brought by the state of New York, has accused Trump, his sons, and his businesses of inflating asset values. If found liable, Trump could be forced to dissolve a significant portion of his real estate empire and face restrictions on his family's business dealings in New York. The court is currently determining the damages the Trumps may have to pay as the trial enters its penalty phase.

Trump's behavior during the trial was described by witnesses as extraordinary. Lauren Aratani, a reporter for the Guardian US who is covering the trial, characterized the scene as a clash between Trump's outbursts and the courtroom's strict decorum. No cameras or recordings are allowed in the proceedings, intensifying the focus on the prosecutor's questioning of Trump.

Throughout the trial, Trump has faced admonishments from Judge Arthur Engoron for straying off-topic and for his hostile remarks towards the court and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump referred to James as a "political hack" and expressed his belief that she was wasting her time with the case. James is seeking $250 million in damages.

The core of the prosecution's case revolves around allegations that the Trump Organization and company executives artificially inflated the value of assets. The judge has already found Trump liable for fraud, and now the trial seeks to determine the extent of the damages imposed on him and his family.

As prosecutors presented documentary evidence during the trial, including bank agreements and emails, Trump relied on what he called a "worthless clause" defense. He argued that the banks were aware that the Trump Organization's financial statements may not be entirely accurate. However, Judge Engoron had previously dismissed this argument as worthless in his pretrial judgment.

The trial began with testimony from Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, who claimed that Trump directed him to manipulate financial statements. Although Trump was not directly questioned about Cohen's testimony, it forms part of the broader context of the trial, highlighting allegations of financial wrongdoing against Trump.

Looking ahead, Trump is expected to testify again when the defense presents their case. His daughter, Ivanka, is also slated to testify. The significance of their testimonies, as well as their potential impact on the trial's outcome, remains to be seen.

Overall, the trial has become a legal and public spectacle, with Trump seemingly prioritizing the court of public opinion. Observers note that the trial unfolds as a trial within a trial, with politics playing a significant role. As the proceedings continue, the fate of Trump's real estate empire hangs in the balance, with significant implications for his future business ventures and the potential consequences for his family's involvement in New York's business landscape.

In the next phase of the trial, the court will determine the extent of damages to be imposed on Trump and his family. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold and what ramifications it will have for the future of Trump's real estate empire.