Trump refuses to testify at his New York fraud trial
Former U.S. President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has chosen not to testify as initially scheduled for Monday in the ongoing New York civil fraud trial, according to NBC News.
“I have already testified to everything & have nothing more to say other than this is a complete & total election interference (Biden campaign!) witch hunt... I will not be testifying on Monday,” Trump wrote on his social media, Truth Social.
What are the accusations
Previously summoned to testify on Nov. 6 by attorneys representing New York Attorney General Letitia James, Trump, along with two of his sons and their company, faces accusations of participating in a decade-long fraud scheme. The scheme allegedly aimed to benefit the accused parties by securing unusually favorable terms on loans and insurance, resulting in gains amounting to $250 million. On the earlier scheduled day, Trump engaged in a contentious exchange with Judge Arthur Engoron, responding to numerous questions with extensive and meandering remarks.
Initially anticipated to be the final witness for his defense team, Trump's decision not to testify comes amid the state's intention to present two witnesses to counter the testimony provided by real estate and accounting experts called by Trump's defense. Trump is not obliged to testify because it’s his own defense case.
What the attorney says
According to CBS News, Trump's attorney, Christopher Kise, asserted that the former president had "already testified," stating, "There is really nothing more to say to a Judge who has imposed an unconstitutional gag order and thus far appears to have ignored President Trump's testimony."
Charges against Trump
This case is not the only legal battle Trump faces. He was also charged with election interference in the 2020 federal election, leading to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Trump faces four counts of criminal conduct related to the 2020 election and has pushed to postpone his trials until after the 2024 election scheduled for November 5.
Despite the charges, Trump is going to run for president again while current President Joe Biden, also participating, clearly stated that he would defeat him.
