In a recent interview with WABC Radio, former President Donald Trump shed light on why he chose not to take the stand in his hush money trial. After weeks of speculation and varying statements, Trump cited concerns over the judge's rulings and the potential for his past to resurface as the primary factors contributing to his decision.

Trump expressed his belief that New York Justice Juan Merchan's rulings made it challenging for him to testify, as they allowed for bringing up anything from his past, including his accomplishments and controversies. "Anything I did, anything I did in the past, they can bring everything up," he explained, acknowledging his "great" but checkered past.

Continuing further, Trump asserted that the prosecution's weak case provided an additional reason for his decision not to testify. "The other reason is because they have no case. In other words, why would - why testify when they have no case?" he questioned.

The criminal trial revolves around allegations of Trump falsifying business records in relation to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, aimed at silencing her regarding an alleged affair right before the 2016 presidential election. Denying the affair and pleading not guilty to all 34 felony counts against him, Trump maintains his innocence throughout the trial.

The exact role of Trump's legal team in advising him about testifying remains unclear. On April 12, Trump initially expressed his willingness to testify, saying, "I mean, all I can do is tell the truth. And the truth is that there's no case, they have no case." However, as the trial progressed, his stance softened to "if it's necessary."

Throughout the trial, Trump refrained from speaking under oath but publicly criticized the case, frequently engaging with reporters in the courthouse hallways. Notably, during his civil fraud trial in New York last year, Trump did take the stand, although his approach involved expressing his personal opinions about the case rather than answering questions directly.

Legal experts have expressed their reservations about Trump testifying, with criminal defense lawyer Tony Wyatt stating it would be an "act of near-insanity." Wyatt highlighted Trump's tendency to deviate from a consistent narrative and added, "Donald Trump is a cross-examiner's dream, and whilst he would never admit that to himself, his lawyers must know it."

As the trial progresses, the absence of Trump's testimony marks a significant development in the case. The defense rested their case after calling only two witnesses, including attorney Robert Costello. The next stages will involve arguments from both sides and the jury's deliberations.

The former president's decision not to testify may ultimately impact the outcome of the trial, and legal experts will closely monitor the proceedings to analyze the implications of this significant move.