Democrats were weighing whether to seek Trump’s testimony, multiple sources stated
House impeachment managers have asked former President Donald Trump to testify under oath in his upcoming impeachment trial about his conduct Jan. 6, according to a letter delivered by direct impeachment manager Rep. Jamie Raskin.
Raskin indicated the invitation was motivated by the recent filing from Trump’s legal team in which they refused the former president made false statements about the election results or searched to interrupt the certificate of the results.
“Two days ago, you filed an answer in which you refused many factual allegations set forth in the article of impeachment. You have thus attempted to put crucial facts at issue notwithstanding the clear and overwhelming proof of your inherent crime,” Raskin composed to Trump’s defense lawyers.
Democrats were weighing for months if to seek Trump’s testimony in his next impeachment trial, multiple sources knowledgeable about the issue told ABC News — a move that could force the 45th president to protect his remarks on Jan. 6 but also spark a legal fight that could extend the trial.
Some Democrats are looking for a speedy trial — pointing to how the senators functioning as jurists experienced the Capitol riot themselves, and the necessity to focus the Senate on President Joe Biden’s agenda.
But some impeachment managers have argued privately that supplying Trump an opportunity to testify could undercut any efforts to discredit proceeding and any untrue statements could further undermine his defense.
Trump, who is unlikely to agree to such a petition, has discussed a written announcement, sources close to him . It’s unclear if the principles of this trial would allow the House managers to issue a subpoena to compel his testimony, or whether they’d even hunt one.
Trump hasn’t yet responded to the House impeachment managers ask.
