Trump calls impeachment trial "manipulation"... Bolton and aides' testimonies are "a matter of national security"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Donald Trump, President of the United States, harshly criticized the Senate impeachment trial on the 22nd (local time), calling it a 'sham,' according to foreign news agencies such as AP and AFP.

President Trump, at a press conference before returning home after attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting (Davos Forum), said about his impeachment case, "It is truly a rigged event," adding, "I think it is very bad for the United States."

He expressed a desire to see his aides, including former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, testify in the Senate. However, he emphasized that allowing witnesses' testimonies is related to national security.

President Trump also said, "I want to attend the impeachment trial, but my lawyers will oppose it."

Meanwhile, Roberto Azev?do, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), announced that he will soon visit Washington. Director-General Azev?do also said he will meet with President Trump in the near future to discuss necessary changes to the WTO. The United States has expressed dissatisfaction with the WTO's Appellate Body, which acts as a 'supreme court,' and has boycotted the appointment of appellate judges. As a result, the Appellate Body has been paralyzed since December last year due to a lack of a quorum of appellate judges.