Clash in Court: Trump Faces Judge’s Warning and Accuser’s Testimony in Defamation Trial

2024 Trial Update: Trump’s Disruptive Behavior and Threatening Messages Unveiled

January 17, 2024

New York, NY –

A contentious atmosphere enveloped a New York courtroom on Wednesday as former President Donald Trump clashed with Judge Lewis Kaplan during a civil defamation trial brought against him by E. Jean Carroll, a writer who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s. The proceedings were marked by heated exchanges between Trump and the judge, as well as Carroll’s emotional testimony about the impact of Trump’s public statements on her life.

Trump’s Disruptive Behavior Draws Judge’s Ire

Trump’s presence in the courtroom proved disruptive from the outset. During a break in the trial, Carroll’s attorney, Shawn Crowley, complained that Trump could be heard making audible comments while his client was testifying. The judge admonished Trump to keep his voice down, but the warnings went unheeded.

As the trial resumed after lunch, Crowley again brought the issue to the judge’s attention, stating that Trump continued to make disruptive remarks, including comments like “It is a witch hunt” and “it really is a con job.”

Judge Kaplan responded with a stern warning, stating that Trump’s disruptive behavior could lead to his removal from the courtroom. “Mr. Trump has the right to be present here,” Kaplan said. “That right can be forfeited if he is disruptive, which what has been reported to me consists of, and if he disregards court orders.”

Trump reacted defiantly, expressing his desire to be removed from the trial. “I would love it,” Trump said.

Kaplan countered, “You just can’t control yourself in these circumstances apparently.”

In the end, Trump remained in the courtroom, but his behavior did not improve. He took to social media and later addressed reporters outside his 40 Wall Street building, where he launched attacks against the judge and the legal proceedings.

Carroll Testifies About Impact of Trump’s Statements

While Trump’s disruptive behavior dominated the headlines, Carroll took the stand to deliver a powerful and emotional testimony. She recounted the aftermath of Trump’s public statements in 2019, in which he denied the sexual assault allegations and accused Carroll of fabricating the story.

Carroll described the onslaught of threatening messages she received, the heightened sense of fear she felt, and the precautions she had to take for her safety. She spoke of hiring security for both trials, keeping a gun at her bedside, and receiving a particularly disturbing message that suggested she should commit suicide.

Carroll’s voice trembled as she read the message aloud in court, evoking a sense of empathy and solidarity among those present.

Trump’s Lawyers Clash with Judge

Trump’s legal team also engaged in several disputes with Judge Kaplan throughout the proceedings. They requested that the judge recuse himself due to alleged bias against Trump, a motion that was promptly denied.

The judge also had sharp exchanges with Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, over procedural matters and the handling of evidence. Kaplan displayed little patience for missteps on either side, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.

Trial to Continue Despite Trump’s Absence

Carroll is expected to return to the stand on Thursday for further cross-examination by Trump’s attorney. However, Trump himself is not expected to be present, as he plans to travel to Florida for his mother-in-law’s funeral.

Judge Kaplan declined Trump’s request to postpone the trial in his absence, stating that the defense could call Trump as a witness on Monday if necessary.

Trump’s Access to Media Attention

One notable difference between this civil defamation trial and the recent Trump Org. civil fraud trial is Trump’s limited access to media attention. The federal courthouse where the defamation trial is taking place does not have a dedicated camera, unlike the state courthouse where the fraud trial was held.

As a result, Trump has resorted to making statements from his property at 40 Wall Street, located a mile south of the courthouse. He used this platform to attack the judge, the legal system, and the allegations against him.

Conclusion

The ongoing defamation trial between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump has shed light on the former president’s disruptive behavior in court, the emotional impact of his public statements on his accuser, and the ongoing clashes between Trump and the legal system. As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how these factors will influence the outcome of the case and Trump’s future legal battles.