(New York) Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he had given up testifying a second time at his civil trial for fraud in New York.
In a message posted on a conservative social network, the former president claims (in capital letters) to have testified in a “very fruitful and conclusive” manner. He added that there was no need for him to appear again.
Trump was expected to return Monday to conclude defense testimony.
He announced that he had canceled his presence by announcing it in capital letters on the Truth Social platform.
The former president was often pugnacious and provocative during his testimony on November 6. He had feuded with Judge Arthur Engeron and insulted New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
Trump and his company are accused of inflating the value of his properties and misleading banks and insurers into business deals and loans. The businessman denied the allegations.
During his testimony, he often responded to prosecutors’ questions by launching into long monologues. Judge Engeron had asked him to keep it concise, reminding him and the courtroom that “this is not a political gathering,”
If Trump had testified Monday, his lawyers would have conducted the questioning, but prosecutors would have been able to cross-examine him afterward.