Trump is starting to get pretty upset, and with good reason. The $250 million civil fraud trial against him in Manhattan, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, is not going his way.

The trial began Monday, and the charges accuse Trump and his two sons, among others, of defrauding banks and insurance companies. They are charged with intentionally and artificially inflating and deflating the values of Trump holdings. This allowed the Trump Organization to pay less in taxes and insurance (by devaluing) and get better rates on loans (by inflating).

Although Trump has claimed complete innocence, he has nevertheless been appearing in court with his attorneys. Such appearances are unusual for the former President.

In contrast with what reporters described as a generally calm demeanor during the arraignments for his four indictments (in NY, GA, DC, and FL), Trump appears visibly upset now that an actual trial has begun.

Court reporters recorded him shaking his head and pouting with his arms crossed during comments made by Judge Arthur Engoron. They also noted Trump glaring at NYAG James as he was leaving the room.

By Wednesday, his anger was palpable.

It’s important to note Trump isn’t required to be there. This is a choice.

He’s there for a few reasons:

1. Intimidation of witnesses & the judge (not working)
2. To spread lies outside the courtroom, rally his base, & fundraise
3. To micromanage his defense lawyers, who suck https://t.co/WrgPoWHUvH

— Ahmed Baba (@AhmedBaba_) October 4, 2023

The New York Times wrote that “Trump returned to court on Wednesday morning and sat quietly, for the most part, though he expressed more impatience than he did during the previous two days.”

In keeping with his desire to slow down and delay the process as much as possible, “Trump began to grumble and angrily folded his arms while staring at the judge” when Engoron told court officials that formalities could be dispensed with since it is a bench trial and not a jury trial, reported The Daily Beast.

One of Trump’s biggest complaints so far has been that this is not a jury trial, although Judge Engoron has reminded him and his legal team that he could have had a jury trial if they had requested one prior to the beginning.

“Trump turned to defense lawyer Alina Habba at his left to complain in loud groans—this reporter could only make out the words ‘no jury!’—then threw his arms up and shook his head, said the Daily Beast reporter. “The former president then let out an annoyed sigh and slumped forward, stretching his dark blue suit jacket.”

The groans weren’t limited to that instance.

Trump audibly groaned again after Judge Engoron chastised another of his lawyers for “performative questioning,” reminding them once again that without a jury, their theatrics could only be for Engoron’s own benefit.

To make matters worse for the twice-impeached former leader, Judge Engoron issued a limited gag order preventing Trump from discussing court staff after he posted a message to social media claiming that Engoron’s principal clerk was Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer’s mistress.

You can expect to see Trump grow increasingly agitated as this goes on and he realizes that perhaps Jesus is not on his side after all.

Trump: "But I'm here, I'm stuck here — I'd rather be right now in Iowa. I'd rather be in New Hampshire or South Carolina or Ohio or a lot of other places, but I'm stuck here!"

There is nothing forcing Trump to attend this trial. He can be in Iowa or wherever else he wants. pic.twitter.com/sVV2wR9dmB

— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) October 4, 2023