E Jean Carroll Trial: Judge Threatens to Remove Trump from Court

Fiery Exchanges and Personal Attacks Mark the Second Day of Civil Defamation Trial

By Kayla Epstein in the courtroom & Sam Cabral, BBC News

Amidst a tense and heated atmosphere, the second day of the civil defamation trial between E Jean Carroll and Donald Trump unfolded with a series of fiery exchanges, personal attacks, and a stern warning from the judge.

Trump’s Lawyers Accuse Carroll of Seeking Publicity

Donald Trump’s legal team launched a concerted effort to portray E Jean Carroll as an individual motivated by fame and publicity rather than a victim seeking justice.

Alina Habba, representing Trump, pointed to Carroll’s numerous media appearances, including television interviews and podcast features, where she discussed her book and the allegations against Trump. Habba suggested that Carroll’s continued public statements were driven by a desire for attention and notoriety.

Carroll, however, maintained that she had no interest in seeking publicity and that she was compelled to speak out to defend her reputation and prevent Trump from spreading further lies about her.

Carroll Testifies about Damaged Reputation and Safety Concerns

Taking the stand, E Jean Carroll recounted the devastating impact that Trump’s alleged assault and subsequent denial had on her life and reputation.

She described how she had spent decades building a successful career as a journalist, only to be labeled a “liar,” “fraud,” and “whack job” in the aftermath of the incident. Carroll shared how she had received a barrage of death threats, rape threats, and insults, leaving her fearful and anxious for her safety.

To illustrate the extent of the threats she faced, Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, presented a series of disturbing messages and comments directed at Carroll. These included threats of violence, slurs, and hateful remarks that had caused Carroll significant distress.

Trump’s Disruptive Behavior Draws Judge’s Ire

The proceedings were repeatedly interrupted by outbursts and disruptive behavior from Donald Trump, prompting Judge Lewis Kaplan to issue a stern warning.

At one point, Trump was overheard criticizing Carroll’s testimony and calling the case a “witch hunt” within earshot of the jury. This prompted Judge Kaplan to threaten to remove Trump from the courtroom if he continued to disregard court orders and disrupt the trial.

Trump responded defiantly, expressing his desire to be excluded from the trial, leading to a heated exchange with the judge. Judge Kaplan emphasized that Trump’s right to be present could be revoked if he continued to be disruptive.

Trump’s Attorney Clashes with Judge, Requests Delay

Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, engaged in repeated confrontations with Judge Kaplan throughout the day.

She challenged the judge’s impartiality, seeking his recusal due to alleged bias against the defense. The motion was swiftly denied by Judge Kaplan.

Habba also requested a delay in the trial to allow Trump to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral, arguing that it would be prejudicial to have him sit in court during that time. Judge Kaplan firmly rejected the request, stating that the trial would proceed as scheduled.

Trump’s Upcoming Testimony and Political Ambitions

Donald Trump is expected to take the stand on Monday, marking a significant moment in the trial.

His testimony will be closely watched as he faces direct questioning about the allegations against him. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he never assaulted Carroll.

The trial unfolds against the backdrop of Trump’s ongoing political ambitions. He recently secured a landslide victory in the Iowa caucuses, positioning himself as the Republican frontrunner in the race for the White House.

Conclusion

The second day of the E Jean Carroll trial was marked by intense exchanges, personal attacks, and a tense atmosphere.

Trump’s disruptive behavior drew the ire of the judge, while his legal team sought to portray Carroll as a publicity-seeker rather than a victim. Carroll, in turn, testified about the devastating impact of the alleged assault and the threats she has faced as a result.

As the trial continues, the focus will shift to Trump’s own testimony and the jury’s ultimate decision on the merits of Carroll’s defamation claim. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump’s political future and his ongoing legal battles.