Several lawyers and political advisers close to former President Donald Trump are making a concerted effort to persuade him to remain silent during his upcoming criminal trial in Manhattan. Citing concerns about potential self-destructive behavior and a media circus, they have been gently urging Trump to suppress his urge to turn the high-stakes hush money trial into a Trumpian spectacle.

The criminal case, initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, revolves around alleged secret payments, including to adult film star Stormy Daniels, that prosecutors claim Trump ordered to suppress potentially damaging news stories and boost his 2016 campaign. Trump and his legal team have categorically denied the accusations, while Bragg has recently characterized the alleged actions as election interference rather than mere concealment of sex scandals.

Given the delay in Trump's federal election subversion trial, which is now expected to take place after the 2024 Election Day, the Manhattan criminal trial has assumed even greater significance. It may be the only trial that occurs before voters head to the polls in November, making it a crucial factor in Trump's potential bid for the White House.

Concerns among Trump's closest advisers and senior campaign officials have risen as polls indicate that a criminal conviction this year could severely impact his chances of winning back the presidency. They view the Manhattan DA's case as the weakest of the four major criminal cases against him but fear negative publicity and the risk of Trump inadvertently aiding the prosecution's case.

In recent weeks, attorneys and political consultants close to Trump have advised him against testifying, fearing it could create unnecessary drama and potential perjury traps. They have also counseled him to avoid courtroom theatrics and indignant outbursts that have characterized some of his previous court appearances.

Multiple sources have confirmed that these advisers have been coordinating efforts to caution Trump and steer him towards a more subdued and low-key approach to the trial. The underlying goal is to prevent Trump from undermining his legal and political position. One adviser conveyed a message to Trump last month, urging him to "please prove the media wrong" and deny opponents any ammunition during the Manhattan trial.

Notable legal expert and former member of Trump's legal defense team for his first impeachment, Alan Dershowitz, advises Trump's team to focus on the appeal rather than the trial. Dershowitz believes that Trump should refrain from providing testimony and avoid engaging in courtroom histrionics, which could provide an opportunity for the prosecution.

In response to claims made by anonymous sources, Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign's communications director, denies that anyone from the team has advised the former president to keep quiet. He dismisses such views as absurd and emphasizes that the legal team will not litigate the case in the media.

Sources reveal that those close to Trump have approached him gently so as not to come across as scolding him, given his tendency to resist perceived attempts to control him. Trump's response to these appeals has been noncommittal, leaving it uncertain whether he will testify or heed his advisers' counsel to remain quiet and composed in court.

While some advisers seek to muzzle Trump, his legal team is also employing a delay strategy. In a recent motion, Trump's attorneys argued for a postponement of the Manhattan trial based on the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on whether Trump is entitled to immunity in his federal cases. They contend that some of the statements intended to be introduced as evidence in the New York case involve actions Trump took during his presidency.

As the trial approaches, all eyes will be on Donald Trump to observe whether he will heed the advice of his advisers and maintain silence or choose to assert himself vocally in the courtroom.