Donald Trump strongly suggested he wants to take the stand in his own defense in the event that he's indicted over his false claims about the 2020 election.
And cameras aren’t allowed in federal trials. That’s the real crime here.
You can’t plead the 5th if you choose to testify at your own trial. Opting to testify means that you are waiving your right, which means that the prosecutor can compel you to answer any question relevant to the matter at hand. The prosecutor can not force a defendant to testify–which is why most don’t–but once they choose to, they must answer.
Witnesses–people not already being prosecuted–can plead the 5th. That’s why witnesses are often given immunity deals; immunity from prosecution means that they no longer have a 5A interest, and can be compelled to testify.
You can’t plead the 5th if you choose to testify at your own trial. Opting to testify means that you are waiving your right, which means that the prosecutor can compel you to answer any question relevant to the matter at hand. The prosecutor can not force a defendant to testify–which is why most don’t–but once they choose to, they must answer.
Witnesses–people not already being prosecuted–can plead the 5th. That’s why witnesses are often given immunity deals; immunity from prosecution means that they no longer have a 5A interest, and can be compelled to testify.