Trump says he won't testify as planned in his civil fraud trial
NPR Online NewsNov 30, 2023
Trump Won’t Testify in NY Civil Fraud Trial
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The Facts
Former US Pres. Donald Trump on Sunday announced via social media he would not be testifying this week on the part of his defense in the New York Attorney General’s civil fraud case against him, his family, and his business.
Trump wrote he "successfully and conclusively" testified in this case, which he called directed by Pres. Joe Biden. He also claimed that NY Attorney General Letitia James, whom he called "racist," and Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron should be investigated.
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump couldn't help but incriminate himself in testimony during this and other cases against him. The gag order which has been imposed by Engoron probably also affected this decision because Trump would have risked fines, or even jail time if he found himself again unable to stop attacking those covered by the protective order.
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump knows to quit when he's ahead, and he's smart to stop participating in this witch hunt by James, who ran for her office on a politicized, anti-Trump platform. Trump's prior testimony shot down these accusations despite attempts by the court to restrict his free speech with a gag order. Trump's defense witnesses have been impeccable as well. This case will be easily won by the former president.