The Manhattan judge deciding the $250 million civil fraud case against Donald Trump on Tuesday clarified comments he made about the statute of limitations that the former president had hailed as a win.

Trump, appearing jovial as he left Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday afternoon, proclaimed that Justice Arthur Engoron had agreed that “80 percent” of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit was thrown out due to the statute of limitations.

“The last five minutes was outstanding because the judge essentially conceded that the statute of limitations, that we won at the court of appeals, is in effect,” Trump, 77, said to reporters as he left court on the first day of trial. “Therefore about 80% of the case is over.”

Engoron had suggested the day prior that testimony from Trump’s former accountant about the ex-president’s 2011 financial statements might be time-barred – meaning taking place before the time period where claims could be brought.

The AG alleges in her lawsuit that from 2011 through 2021 Trump lied on his statements of financial condition, exaggerating his net worth to get a leg up on loan and insurance terms.

An appeals court in June ruled that the statute of limitations in the case is set at 2014.

While claims relating to alleged conduct from pre-2014 can’t come into the case, Engoron set the record straight Tuesday – saying that evidence from before that time could still be used to help prove newer claims.

“If you were here for yesterday’s excitement, welcome back,” Engoron said as Trump looked on.

“As I stated yesterday, the statute of limitations bars claims, not evidence.”

Bender – a partner at accounting firm Mazars USA – is continuing his testimony Tuesday at the second day of trial.

With Post wires