Trump Won’t Testify in Hush Money Trial as Defense Rests

Former President Trump will not testify in his hush money trial, as the defense has rested its case. This decision follows legal advice that his testimony could harm his case. Trump’s lawyers had previously indicated uncertainty about his testimony, with Trump himself initially expressing readiness to testify but later becoming noncommittal.

The defense, led by attorney Robert Costello, sought to discredit former attorney Michael Cohen’s testimony linking Trump to the hush money scheme involving Stormy Daniels. Despite earlier statements indicating Trump’s willingness to testify, his lawyers and legal experts have advised against it, citing the significant risks involved.

While Trump has not publicly commented on his decision, his lawyer Alina Habba stated that he “wants to testify” but is following his attorneys’ advice. Legal experts have cautioned that Trump’s testimony could be detrimental to his case, potentially leading to a conviction.

Trump’s decision not to testify is in line with the common practice of criminal defendants avoiding testimony in their trials. The trial will proceed to closing arguments after Memorial Day weekend.

This development comes in the context of Trump facing 34 counts of falsifying bank records related to a payment made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, which he denies. Trump has reimbursed Cohen for the payment and other expenses, totaling $420,000, through checks falsely labeled as legal expenses, according to prosecutors. Cohen testified that Trump was aware of and approved the payment to Daniels, as well as the reimbursement checks being falsely labeled. Trump’s lawyers aim to distance him from the scheme, emphasizing that he was paying his attorney.

Throughout the trial, Trump has been present in court daily, as required, but reports suggest he has frequently fallen asleep during proceedings. This decision not to testify contrasts with his past participation in civil trials, which did not end in his favor, including a recent defamation trial where he was ordered to pay $83.3 million in damages.