Despite his repeated promises to testify in his New York City hush money trial, former President Donald Trump had his lawyers rest their case after calling only two witnesses, neither of them being Trump himself. Trump refused to answer questions about why he did not testify and left the courtroom. Legal experts were not surprised by this outcome, with one former White House lawyer noting the risks of having a defendant testify, especially one as unpredictable as Trump. The prosecution wrapped up on Monday, and closing arguments are scheduled for May 28.
Former Trump lawyer Ty Cobb expressed doubt that Trump would ever actually testify, citing the potential for cross-examination to expose Trump’s history of dishonesty. Cobb envisioned a scenario where Trump would face tough questions regarding various controversies, such as his alleged affairs with Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal and the lawsuit filed against him by E. Jean Carroll. Another Republican political consultant suggested that he would have relished the opportunity to cross-examine Trump, particularly on salacious details and his relationship with Michael Cohen.
An informal adviser to Trump suggested that Trump’s decision not to testify may have been influenced by Cohen’s performance under cross-examination, indicating that it would have been risky for Trump to take the stand. Another former Trump White House lawyer, sympathetic to Trump, acknowledged the dangers of having a defendant testify, as even a small misstep could lead to damaging questions on cross-examination. If Trump were to face regrets about not testifying, he may have additional opportunities in other trials he is facing in Washington, D.C., South Florida, and Georgia.
The case against Trump in the New York trial involves allegations of business records falsification that could result in a four-year prison sentence for the former President. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts against him and has denied any sexual involvement with Daniels or McDougal. With the trial moving towards its conclusion, the focus will now shift to closing arguments and final instructions to the jury from Judge Juan Merchan. If convicted in any of the other jurisdictions where he is facing charges, Trump could potentially face decades in prison, further adding to the legal challenges he is currently navigating.
