Former President Trump Testifies in New York Fraud Trial

Trump's performance on the stand may have been passionate, but his evasive answers and combative stance likely did him no favors in the eyes of the jury. It’s a potent reminder of how courtroom demeanor can heavily influence a case's perception.

The trial pulls back the curtain on high-profile legal defenses, showing the risks and potential payoffs. Trump's approach—relying heavily on the Fifth Amendment—can be a double-edged sword in the court of public opinion.

Regardless of the legal outcome, Trump's testimony has all the elements of political theatre. His allegations of a witch hunt and bias, whether proven or not, resonate with his base and ensure that the trial remains not just a legal battle but a political conversation.