Former President Donald Trump took the stand in a New York court, becoming the first president to do so in over a century. This civil fraud trial poses a significant threat to his real estate empire, and it’s a legal battle that could result in a $250 million fine, a ban on Trump conducting business in his home state, and the loss of control over iconic properties like Trump Tower.

The trial has been anything but ordinary, with Trump repeatedly clashing with Judge Arthur Engoron. The judge even had to admonish Trump not to give speeches in court, stating, “control your client.” Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with the judge and his law clerk for weeks, making the courtroom atmosphere intense.

The crux of the case revolves around accusations that Trump significantly inflated the value of his properties by over $2 billion to secure favorable loans. This trial also includes allegations of falsified business records and insurance fraud. Trump and his adult sons have vehemently denied these claims.

One of the key moments in the trial is the focus on Trump’s Seven Springs property in Westchester, New York. Trump admitted to initially believing the property was overvalued in one financial statement but later directed accountants to lower its value. However, he downplayed the importance of these statements in court.

What makes this trial even more significant is that Trump is simultaneously a leading presidential candidate for the 2024 election. Despite his legal battles, recent polling has shown him with a clear lead over President Joe Biden in key battleground states. Trump has used his appearances in the civil trial to denounce the prosecution as a “witch hunt” and criticize the judge as a partisan.

Yet, inside the courtroom, Trump must take a more measured approach since there is no jury to appeal to. The outcome of this case rests solely in the hands of Judge Engoron.

The trial resumed after a short break, focusing on the valuations of Trump’s assets, particularly the Seven Springs property. Trump explained his initial concerns about the property’s valuation and how his company executed a conservation easement for tax benefits. He acknowledged that he couldn’t remember when the property’s value was lowered.

Trump confirmed that his organization pursued a conservation easement for tax benefits on Seven Springs, handled by tax attorney Sheri Dillon. He admitted that the $291 million valuation in his 2014 statement seemed high at the time.

Regarding the valuation of two Vornado properties, Trump expressed hope that the stated value of $816 million was based on accurate information. He also mentioned that he was not involved in his 2021 financial statements and believed that others, including former Trump Org. CFO Allen Weisselberg and ex-Trump Org. executive Jeff McConney, handled that matter.

The Seven Springs property in Westchester, New York, is a central focus in this lawsuit, as it is one of the properties the Trumps are accused of inflating. As the trial unfolds, it remains to be seen how these testimonies and developments will impact the future of Trump’s real estate empire and his political aspirations.

Stay tuned for more updates.