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Will Donald Trump testify in the Hush Money trial?
As jury selection continues for Donald Trump’s hush money case, many are wondering if the court will hear from the former president.
Jury selection continues in the trial of Donald Trump relating to an alleged hush money payment made to adult film star Stephanie Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, in 2016 with campaign funds —a violation of federal law. In total, the former president was charged with thirty-four counts of campaign finance violations, and he has pled not guilty to all of them. The case was brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has become a punching bag for the former president’s supporters, who accuse the DA and the case of being a politically motivated attack.
The proceedings began on Monday, 15 April, and are being overseen by Judge Juan Merchan. On Tuesday, during jury selection, the judge accused the former president of speaking out of turn and warned his legal team that no jurors would be intimidated in his courtroom.
Who is set to testify during the trial?
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former lawyer, who investigators believe paid Ms. Clifford, cooperated with investigators and is expected to testify when the trial gets underway. Ms. Clifford is also expected to testify, which leaves a major question: Will the court hear from Donald Trump?
No clear answer from the former president’s legal team has been made public. With the trial still days or weeks away from beginning, the defense may be trying to keep their cards close to their chest as they evaluate the tactics and legal arguments that the prosecution will put forward.