In the ongoing hush money trial in Manhattan, former President Donald Trump is faced with a decision whether or not to take the stand in his own defense. However, legal experts are cautioning against this move, citing the potential risks that may arise from his testimony.

Trump has continuously expressed his disdain for the gag order imposed on him, criticizing the court and calling it a "kangaroo court." He has violated the order multiple times, leading him to rely on Republican "surrogates" to make attacks on his behalf. With the prosecution expected to conclude their case soon, Trump now has the opportunity to present his arguments and refute the witnesses against him by testifying in court.

Back in March, Trump confidently proclaimed that he had "no problem testifying," asserting his innocence. However, circumstances have changed since then. The trial is now underway, and his attorneys are focused on sowing doubt rather than taking unnecessary risks. Defense attorneys Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, and Susan Necheles have been successful in undermining the credibility of star witness Michael Cohen, and they are not likely to encourage Trump to take the stand.

Former U.S. attorney Joyce Vance stated, "We don't yet know if Trump is going to testify. The smart money says no." Trump's allies also appear to be preparing for the possibility that he will not testify, arguing that he will have plenty of time after the trial to share his side of the story.

While testifying would offer Trump the opportunity to present his version of events, legal experts point out the potential pitfalls. Sarah Krissoff, a former federal prosecutor, highlighted that Trump's shifting narratives over time could be exploited by the prosecution, painting him as a liar. Moreover, she speculated that the jury might simply not like him, which could affect their judgment.

Katie Phang, an MSNBC legal analyst, emphasized that Trump is under no obligation to testify, and she advised against it. She mentioned a previous case where Trump grew angry on the stand, resulting in a loss and a hefty fine. However, Phang acknowledged that Trump, as the first former president to be put on a criminal trial, is not a typical client and has the final say on whether to testify or not.

In summary, legal experts are advising against Trump testifying in his hush money trial. They caution that his version of events could be undermined, and his demeanor may not resonate well with the jury. As the trial continues, all eyes are on whether the former president will take the stand and personally defend himself against the 34 felony charges he is facing.