In a recent social media post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump announced that he will not testify in his $250 million civil fraud trial in New York scheduled for Monday. Trump, his two adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, are defendants in a case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accuses them of falsely inflating Trump’s assets for financial gain.
Trump’s attorney, Chris Kise, stated that the former president has already testified, and there is nothing more to add. Kise criticized the trial, citing an “unconstitutional gag order” imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over the case. Trump, in his social media post, expressed frustration with the trial, characterizing it as a “complete & total election interference (Biden campaign!) witch hunt.”
The trial, ongoing for over two months, is entering its final week and is expected to conclude in January. Trump, who had been anticipated to testify in his defense, has been critical of the proceedings, asserting that it jeopardizes his business empire and his family’s future business prospects in New York. Despite the gag order, Trump is still allowed to criticize both Engoron and James publicly. a recent social media
Kise, in his statement, condemned James’s “rabid and unreasonable pursuit of President Trump” and argued that there is no valid reason for Trump to provide further testimony in the case. Trump, who is eyeing a presidential run in 2024, emphasized the trial as an alleged election interference and a witch hunt that he believes will deter businesses from New York.