Trump refuses to testify under oath on Capitol uprising

The so-called House impeachment officials in a letter gave Trump the opportunity to testify on Monday, a day before the trial began. The testimony, including cross-examination, is expected to take place no later than Thursday, wrote Jamie Raskin, who heads the prosecution team.

‘Pre-stunt’

Trump’s refusal could negatively affect the assessment of his actions, or lack thereof, surrounding the Jan.6 assault on Parliament in Washington, Raskin said.

Trump’s lawyer calls this a “publicity stunt.” They believe the call to testify shows that there is no evidence against Trump, who is now “a citizen.” Using the constitution for the impeachment process “is far too important to try and play games,” the lawyers said.

Democrats in parliament argue that Trump incited his supporters to revolt in a speech. Raskin writes that there is overwhelming evidence that Trump acted unconstitutionally. The former president had contradicted this in a prior defense, but according to Raskin, he dismissed all kinds of factual allegations.

Support Republicans

Senators from Democratic and Republican backgrounds want the impeachment process short. The likelihood of Trump being found guilty is considered low, as he is not expected to have sufficient support among Republican senators.