Former President Donald Trump shared a digitally altered court sketch on the first day of his civil fraud trial, where he is accused of business fraud. 

The manipulated image, created by Dom Lucre, depicts Trump sitting beside Jesus Christ in a courtroom setting. According to Lucre, the image symbolizes Jesus standing by Trump throughout the legal proceedings. Trump reposted the image on his Truth Social account, along with a statement endorsing its accuracy and implying he is not alone in his legal battle.

The civil fraud trial against Trump commenced on Monday, with allegations of fraudulent activities related to the Trump Organization. The charges carry a potential penalty of $250 million. The former president, who is also a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, vehemently denies these allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”

Judge Arthur Engoron, who recently found Trump liable for one fraud claim, is now presiding over six additional claims of fraud. The New York attorney general, Letitia James, a Democrat, has accused Trump of systematically deceiving banks, insurers, and other entities over several years by inflating the value of his assets to secure favorable loans.

James is seeking not only the $250 million in damages but also a ban on Trump engaging in business activities in the state of New York. The judge has already ruled that some of Trump’s limited liability companies should be dissolved as a punitive measure.

During the trial’s opening, Kevin Wallace, a lawyer representing Letitia James, informed the judge that Trump and his company had consistently fabricated information in their financial statements to present a false image of wealth. These falsehoods were employed to make Trump appear wealthier than he actually was.

In response, Trump’s legal team defended the accuracy of the financial statements, asserting that they genuinely reflected the value of high-end luxury properties associated with Trump. Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, argued that this was not fraudulent behavior but rather a legitimate representation of real estate assets.

This high-stakes trial is expected to continue until December 2023, as both sides present their cases and engage in legal proceedings. Trump’s civil fraud trial is a closely watched event, given his status as a former U.S. president and his intentions to potentially run for office again in 2024.

The sharing of the doctored court sketch featuring Trump and Jesus Christ is a notable development, highlighting the former president’s attempt to garner support and sympathy from his followers during this legal ordeal. The image, created by Dom Lucre, is a vivid representation of the close relationship between Trump and his supporters and serves as a symbol of Trump’s resilience in the face of legal challenges.

This trial has garnered substantial media attention, not only for its potential financial implications but also for the political and public relations impact it may have on Trump’s future ambitions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving many to closely follow the trial’s progress and its potential implications for Trump’s political future. 

The trial is expected to continue until December 2023, attracting attention from around the nation as the legal proceedings unfold.