Trump claims he wants to testify at his trial. No one else thinks he should

Former President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to testify at his ongoing criminal trial related to hush money payments. This is a contentious decision, as many legal experts and his own legal team are strongly advising against it.

Trump's defense attorneys are concerned that his testimony could be detrimental to his case. They fear that his tendency to make spontaneous and potentially damaging statements could worsen his legal position. Furthermore, Trump's history of inflammatory remarks and the complex nature of the charges against him add to the risks of him taking the stand​ (Politico)​​ (Daily Express US)​.

The trial, which has seen significant testimony from Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, is pivotal. Cohen's detailed accounts of his actions on behalf of Trump have already been damaging. Trump's defense team is strategizing carefully to counter Cohen's testimony, and adding Trump's unpredictable testimony could complicate their efforts​ (Politico)​.

Despite his desire to testify, it appears that the consensus among legal analysts and his advisors is that Trump should refrain from taking the stand to avoid self-incrimination or other legal missteps​ (Daily Express US)​.