Donald Trump posted on Truth Social ahead of the 2024 election, “VOTER INTIMIDATION by the White House THUGS, and it will never work!”
CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig recently shared a reaction to the idea of former President Donald Trump testifying in his New York criminal trial that is set to begin April 15 via Mediaite.
It has been noted that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is prosecuting Trump for allegedly forging business records to cover up hush money payments he made to conceal extramarital affairs ahead of the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty.
On Tuesday, Judge Juan Merchan issued a limited gag order meant to prevent Trump from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, and jurors.
Appearing on AC360 on CNN hours later, Honig was asked about the trial.
“How long do you think this trial will go on?” host Anderson Cooper asked.
“So, the D.A. said six weeks, but trials – having done them – have a way of sliding and extending,” replied Honig, a former federal prosecutor. “Maybe a juror gets sick, maybe a witness’s testimony lasts longer.”
Honig added that the length of the trial also depends on the type of case the defense mounts.
“But of course, the big question is, will Trump take the stand?” he went on. “We don’t know, but if he does, this could go seven, eight weeks”
CNN Correspondent Kara Scannell noted that the Trump team doesn’t “have a big list of witnesses” and suggested the defendant may testify.
“It would be extraordinary if he took the stand,” Cooper said.
“Oh my gosh,” Honig blurted out. ” It would be, I think, reckless, but it would be certainly very dramatic.”
Honig has clearly stated his opinion regarding the possibility of Trump testifying in court. Last September, the former president expressed his willingness to testify in his federal criminal trial in Florida. Trump has been indicted for allegedly retaining government documents after leaving office.
“So if you have to go to trial, will you testify in your own defense?” a radio host asked Trump.
“Oh, yes, absolutely,” he replied.
At the time, Honig said Trump testifying in his own defense “would be a disaster.”
