Donald Trump exited the courtroom during his civil fraud trial in New York City, New York, after hearing testimony from his former lawyer and “fixer,” Michael Cohen. 

The trial involving the past president has captured widespread media coverage and is now in its fourth week.

Michael Cohen spoke up in court, claiming that Trump exaggerated the worth of his assets to get financial advantages. In response, Trump’s lawyers attempted to undermine Cohen, pointing to his history of dishonesty while under oath and issues related to tax evasion. Despite these challenges, Cohen stood firm, stating that the financial documents associated with Trump had been tampered with to showcase a greater net worth.

Trump, evidently disturbed by Cohen’s statements, decided to leave the courtroom hastily and addressed the media. He expressed that he believed he was winning the trial based on what Cohen had said. However, this viewpoint was not shared by Judge Arthur Engoron. One lawyer representing Trump urged the judge to announce a judgment in the trial. Judge Engoron responded with a clear “Absolutely denied.” The judge highlighted that there was significant evidence that backed New York Attorney General James’ lawsuit worth $250 million against Trump, his three children, and the Trump Organization.

In the course of the trial, Trump has also encountered consequences for not adhering to a silence order. He has been penalized twice, with the most recent penalty being a fine of $10,000 due to remarks he made about a law clerk working with the judge.

This trial has turned the spotlight on the alleged deceitful tactics Trump used in his business endeavors. After his court tantrum, Trump shared his opinions on various social media platforms, with a particular emphasis on criticizing Cohen. 

The trial stands as a substantial legal hurdle for Trump, and it remains to be seen how it will conclude, given the strong cases presented by both parties.