Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, recently decided not to testify for a second time in his New York civil fraud trial, sparking a flurry of mockery and criticism across social media platforms and media channels. Trump had previously asserted that his initial testimony in November was "VERY SUCCESSFULLY & CONCLUSIVELY" delivered, negating the need for a subsequent appearance. This decision, communicated via Trump's Truth Social platform, quickly became a focal point for his detractors.
Christopher Kise, Counsel for Trump, provided a formal rationale for the decision in an emailed statement to Newsweek. He emphasized that Trump had exhaustively covered all pertinent issues in his previous testimony. "President Trump's testimony, along with the testimony of the actual bankers and the experts, has established that the SOFC values were conservative and in compliance with governing accounting standards," Kise explained. He further criticized Attorney General Letitia James for her "rabid and unreasonable pursuit of President Trump," declaring that there was no legitimate reason for Trump to testify further.
However, Trump's critics seized the opportunity to deride his decision. Ben Meislas, co-founder of MeidasTouch, an independent news outlet, labeled Trump a "coward" in a post on social media. "Predicting Trump was not going to testify on direct examination at the New York Attorney General trial was obvious," Meislas commented. "He's a malignant narcissist, a pathological liar, a sociopath, but fundamentally, at his core, he is a total coward."
MSNBC host Katie Phang echoed this sentiment in a social media post, stating, "JUST IN: Donald Trump has chickened out and will NOT testify tomorrow in his own defense case-in-chief, in the civil fraud case being pursued by NY Attorney General @TishJames."
D. Earl Stephens, a retired Managing Editor of Stars & Stripes, also joined in the criticism, writing on social media, "Traitor Trump is scared to debate. Traitor Trump is scared to testify. Traitor Trump is scared of the truth. Traitor Trump is scared of Putin."
Even conservative lawyer George Conway contributed to the wave of criticism, responding to Trump's post with a GIF of a chicken, further fueling the mockery.
In contrast, some comments on social media were more measured, acknowledging the strategic nature of Trump's decision. Legal expert Harry Litman stated, "Trump now says he won't testify tomorrow. I called this on (MSNBC host) @AlexWitt his morning. Just sayin' It is the smarter decision - little to gain and lots to lose."
The trial, which has been ongoing for over two months and is expected to conclude in January, has been a focal point of intense scrutiny. It threatens not just Trump's business empire but also the future business operations of his family in New York. The allegations against Trump and his sons involve inflating assets to secure tax benefits and favorable bank loan terms.
As the trial nears its conclusion, the impact of Trump's absence from the witness stand remains a subject of keen interest among legal observers and the general public. Trump's decision to abstain from further testimony reflects not only the complexities of legal strategy but also the polarized political and social landscape in which he continues to be a central figure.
