Former Attorney General William Barr has criticized former President Donald Trump's decision to take the stand in his own defense if his criminal indictment goes to trial. In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Barr said that it would be a "particularly bad idea" for Trump to testify because he lacks "all self-control" and it would be difficult for him to prepare himself and keep his testimony prudent.
The Manhattan district attorney is currently investigating Trump in connection with an alleged hush-money payment made by Michael Cohen, the former president's personal lawyer, to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. On Thursday, a grand jury indicted Trump following an investigation by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office.
Barr, who was once a longtime ally of Trump’s but became more publicly critical of him after the 2020 election, still characterized the case against Trump as politically motivated, aligning with rhetoric from Trump and his supporters. However, he argued that it would not be wise for the former president to take the stand due to his lack of self-control.
Barr also took issue with the indictment itself and attacked Bragg’s office on Truth Social –– a social media platform created by Donald Trump –– saying that it lacked any legal basis and there was nothing inherently wrong or illegal about making a hush payment.
Trump is scheduled to turn himself over authorities on Tuesday April 4th in New York City after being indicted last week.