Why Trump lawyers are likely advising him to not take the stand
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Just a few days ago, when asked by Judge Juan Merchan if there was any indication his client intended to testify in his criminal trial, Todd Blanche responded that "a determination on that issue" had yet to be made. Perhaps it was because he didn't want to show his hand. But as of right now, there is still no clarity on whether Donald Trump will take to the witness stand. Trump's prior track record when providing sworn testimony has been poor, to say the least. Last year, during his civil fraud trial, he took the stand and ran his mouth with such abandon that Justice Arthur Engoron had to tell Trump lawyer Chris Kise to "control your client." Engoron then threatened to remove Trump as a witness. Ultimately, Trump finished his rant and Engoron pretty much discounted his testimony. Then, during his sworn, videotaped deposition in one of E. Jean Carroll's defamation cases, Trump famously mistook E. Jean for his ex-wife, Marla Maples, in a photograph. Considering how badly things have turned out for him, Trump testifying is a failing proposition. This is a preview of Katie S. Phang's latest article. Read the full column here. |
