Former President Donald Trump's long-anticipated testimony Monday in the New York attorney general's civil fraud trial against his company quickly careened into acrimony and recrimination. In a remarkable display while under oath, Trump attacked the presiding judge, derided opposing counsel, and delivered rambling tirades asserting his innocence. The combustible scene offered a stark glimpse into the mindset of the embattled ex-president facing legal jeopardy on multiple fronts.

Even before taking the stand, Trump decried the trial investigating alleged financial misconduct at his firm as a politically motivated "witch hunt." But once sworn in, his vitriol exploded into full view. When asked straightforward questions about his involvement in preparing disputed financial statements, Trump unleashed grievance-filled rants painting himself as a victim of injustice.  

"You're wrong in your opinion," Trump indignantly told Judge Arthur Engoron after being pressed about his company's dubious asset valuations. "You believe that political hack back there," he added, gesturing toward New York Attorney General Tish James. James maintains the Trump Organization habitually distorted asset values to gain financial advantages. 

Trump insisted the statements contained "very powerful" disclaimers warning against reliance on the figures. But Engoron, who will determine penalties in the non-jury trial, repeatedly shut down meandering testimony about the disclaimers, demanding substantive responses. 

The exchanges spotlighted Trump's long-running disdain for Engoron. "It's a terrible thing you've done. You know nothing about me," Trump erupted, adding the judge had destroyed his business "for political reasons." Trump has previously dubbed Engoron "vicious," "horrible," and "totally biased."

Engoron, in turn, threatened to end Trump's testimony if his evasiveness continued. "This is not a political rally. This is a courtroom," the judge admonished. He also sternly warned Trump's lawyer, "Control your client if you can. If you can't, I will."

The charged dynamic reflects the stakes not only in this case, but in Trump's political future. James aims to permanently bar Trump and his children from operating businesses in New York State and impose financial penalties. Meanwhile, Trump hopes to soon launch another presidential run.

Against this backdrop, Trump's umbrage at perceived mistreatment from all sides burst forth. "This is a very unfair trial, very very unfair," he protested into the mic. "I hope the public is watching." Healso took personal shots at James, contrasting himself as a successful developer versus "people that are very stupid, or there's a fraud."

James later called the outbursts "classic Donald Trump behavior" rooted in denial of wrongdoing. She expressed confidence the extensive documentary evidence would outweigh Trump's characteristic bluster. 

Outside court, Trump also took a defiant tone, emailing supporters that he was "forced" into the "SHAM" trial and attack against his family. Sympathetic crowds gathered outside chanting support.

But such public theater evaporated inside the courtroom. Trump slumped over and grimaced when not erupting angrily. His resentment toward even having to testify was palpable. 

The proceeding showcased Trump's pugilistic impulse to counterpunch when cornered. This reflex also powered his election denialism and January 6th actions now under separate criminal investigation. Observers highlight how perceived attacks against Trump's inflated self-image provoke visceral reactions.

Monday's resentment-fueled testimony distilled Trump's deepening view that institutions and officials persecute him unjustly. This dismissal of scrutiny as mere vendetta may appeal to loyalists. But it simultaneously underscores Trump's weakened standing as legal troubles mount on multiple fronts. With potential indictments looming, his fury seems increasingly rooted in duress rather than strength.

The trial continues, but Trump's combative and erratic testimony represents an indelible moment crystallizing the beleaguered mindset of a former President slipping toward legal jeopardy. Defiance can briefly obscure reality. But Trump's diminishing options indicate staving off accountability grows ever more improbable. Monday's eruption of grievance appears a prelude to the tough road ahead.