Former President Donald Trump has once again made headlines with his bold assertion that he would “absolutely” testify in his own defense during his upcoming trial. In a recent interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump expressed his willingness to take the stand and face the charges brought against him. This announcement comes as Trump faces multiple criminal cases in New York, Florida, Georgia, and Washington, D.C.

Trump is set to go to trial in May on over thirty charges related to storing 300,000 classified documents in his private residence at Mar-a-Lago. The allegations include violating the Espionage Act and obstructing justice by taking classified records from his presidency and refusing to return them. Additionally, Trump faces charges in Washington, D.C., for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election and remain in power. He is also accused of participating in an alleged hush-money scheme to cover up an affair before the 2016 election. Furthermore, Trump and several co-defendants face charges in Georgia for attempting to overturn the state’s 2020 election results.

During the interview with Hugh Hewitt, Trump was asked if he would testify in his own defense if the trial proceeds. Without hesitation, Trump responded with a resounding “absolutely.” He expressed his eagerness to take the stand, comparing it to the investigations surrounding allegations of collusion with Russia during the 2016 campaign, which a special counsel investigation did not find evidence of.

Trump’s willingness to testify raises eyebrows, considering the potential risks involved. Throughout his presidency, fact-checkers identified thousands of false or misleading statements made by Trump, making him a potential liability on the stand. However, Trump remained confident, stating that he is “covered under the law” and implying that he has nothing to hide.

While Trump may be eager to testify in his defense, it is likely that his legal team will counsel against it. Trump’s history of controversial statements and penchant for exaggeration could jeopardize his credibility in the courtroom. Prosecutors might exploit his past misrepresentations to undermine his testimony.

Moreover, testifying in one trial could impact the other cases against him. Any inconsistencies or contradictory statements made under oath could be used against him in subsequent trials. Therefore, Trump’s decision to take the stand may have far-reaching consequences that could influence the outcomes of all his legal battles.

During the interview, Hewitt asked Trump how he would respond if prosecutors asked whether he ordered anyone to move the boxes containing classified materials. Trump avoided providing a direct answer, emphasizing that he is protected by the Presidential Records Act. He maintained that he had the right to do everything he did as the president and suggested that his actions fell within the bounds of his executive authority.

Trump’s defense strategy seems to revolve around asserting his presidential powers and justifying his actions based on his interpretation of the law. By positioning himself as acting within the scope of his authority, Trump aims to challenge the charges against him and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the prosecution’s case.

While Trump’s willingness to testify has made headlines, it’s essential to remember that trial dates have yet to be finalized for most of the cases against him. The trial related to the alleged hush-money scheme in Manhattan is scheduled for March, while the trial in Washington, D.C., regarding the election subversion charges is also set for March. However, a trial date for the documents case in Florida is tentatively scheduled for April. In Georgia, a trial date for the charges related to overturning the election results has yet to be determined.