Under cross-examination, Trump’s lawyers are trying to show that any dealings Trump had with Pecker were intended to protect Trump, his reputation and his family — not his campaign.
Can the defense successfully create reasonable doubt on that issue without Trumpie testifying? I don't think they can. There is going to be no direct testimony that I am aware of that that was the motive unless it comes from Trumpie himself, and putting him on the stand will, I believe, hang him.
