Former President Donald Trump seemed disinterested and disconnected during the opening arguments of the People of New York v. Donald J. Trump trial on Monday. As prosecutors laid out their case of election fraud and hush money payments, Trump appeared unfocused and even closed his eyes for a significant portion of the presentation.

From the perspective of a reporter sitting in the courtroom, it was evident that Trump paid little attention to the prosecution's opening arguments. His head was consistently directed towards a TV monitor in front of him, refusing to engage with the counsel or the jury. This behavior contrasts sharply with his alertness when his defense attorney, Todd Blanche, began his presentation.

Blanche, in an attempt to humanize his client, referred to Trump as "President Trump" out of respect for the office. He emphasized that Trump is not only a former president but also a man, a husband, a father, and a person just like anyone else. Blanche argued that the charges against Trump were convoluted and not truly criminal. He questioned the definition of a crime and dismissed the prosecution's evidence as merely pieces of paper.

Blanche's opening argument largely centered on discrediting the primary witnesses, Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels. He painted Cohen as a convicted tax cheat, fraudster, and perjurer who was obsessed with President Trump. Blanche attempted to frame Daniels as a sinister liar involved in a plot to embarrass the Trump family. However, the judge repeatedly interrupted Blanche's attempts to stretch the attacks on the witnesses beyond the allowed boundaries.

Meanwhile, the prosecution, led by senior counsel Matthew Colangelo, presented a compelling case highlighting the alleged election fraud committed by Trump. Colangelo described how Trump orchestrated a scheme with the owner of the National Enquirer, American Media Inc., to manipulate the 2016 election by suppressing damaging stories and publishing negative articles about rival candidates. This, according to Colangelo, constituted a long-running conspiracy.

While the jurors showed great interest in the trial proceedings, taking notes during witness testimonies, Trump appeared detached and uninterested. As the trial progresses, more explosive witnesses are expected to testify, including David Pecker, the former CEO of AMI.

Despite Monday being a symbolic day for the trial's official commencement, Tuesday's proceedings are anticipated to be shorter. Pecker will continue his testimony, and a contempt hearing will be held regarding Trump's statements targeting witnesses, possibly in violation of a gag order.

It remains to be seen if Trump will be more engaged as the trial progresses or if he will continue to demonstrate disinterest in the case against him. The jurors, on the other hand, have shown a strong level of attentiveness, suggesting that they are taking their role seriously as they evaluate the evidence presented before them.