Trump Refuses Request to Testify in Impeachment Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Former President Donald Trump on the 4th (local time) refused the Democrats' demand to appear in person and testify at the impeachment trial to be held in the U.S. Senate.

House Democratic impeachment managers requested Trump's appearance related to the charge of incitement of insurrection, but former President Trump dismissed it as a "publicity stunt," according to major foreign media reports.

The Trump camp continues to maintain its existing argument that the impeachment trial of a former president itself is unconstitutional. Jason Miller, a senior advisor to former President Trump, issued a statement saying, "Former President Trump will not testify in this unconstitutional legal proceeding."

David Schoen and Bruce Castor, attorneys for former President Trump, also claimed, "The demand for testimony is a publicity stunt to attract attention," and argued that "(this impeachment trial) is an unconstitutional legal proceeding."

Jamie Raskin, a Democratic member of the House and the lead impeachment manager, sent a letter to former President Trump on the same day, requesting him to appear in the Senate, take an oath, and testify.

Raskin requested Trump to speak about his actions during the January 6th storming of the federal Capitol by Trump supporters last month.

The impeachment managers have no legal basis to compel former President Trump's attendance. The Washington Post (WP) reported, "House impeachment managers do not have independent authority to subpoena Trump if he refuses the request."

The Associated Press (AP) also noted that while the managers' request could pressure the Senate to issue a subpoena, former President Trump is not obligated to comply, and this demand signifies the Democrats' clear intention to actively engage in the impeachment trial.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.