President Trump’s decision to testify in his criminal trial in New York remains uncertain. The defense is keeping prosecutors guessing about whether the former President will take the witness stand. New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan has instructed the parties to prepare for upcoming proceedings under the assumption that Trump may not testify.
The judge has set the stage for summations to begin on Tuesday, as prosecutors confirmed they would call no more witnesses. Former lawyer Michael Cohen will return for further questioning, and the defense plans to call a few rebuttal witnesses, including experts.
While President Trump had previously expressed his willingness to testify, he has not confirmed whether he will do so. Despite stating that he had the right to testify, Trump has since declined to provide a definitive answer on the matter.
In previous civil trials, President Trump’s testimony was marked by lengthy responses and criticisms of the legal proceedings. If Trump does testify in his criminal trial, prosecutors intend to question him about previous verdicts finding him liable for fraud and defamation.
As it stands, Cohen’s testimony has been crucial to the case, providing insight into Trump’s involvement in the payment to Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors are focusing on Trump’s credibility as a witness in their case.
The trial will proceed with a charge conference before the jury deliberates, where Justice Merchan will clarify legal issues for the jurors. The outcome of the trial may hinge on the judge’s interpretation of the charges against President Trump.
This report includes insights from Michael Washburn and covers the latest developments in President Trump’s criminal trial in New York. Please provide a statement for me to rewrite.
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