Clash in Court: Trump’s Defiance and Carroll’s Testimony in Defamation Trial
In a New York federal court, a civil defamation trial between former President Donald Trump and author E. Jean Carroll has captivated the nation with its explosive confrontations and riveting testimony. Carroll, who publicly accused Trump of sexual assault, is seeking damages for defamation after Trump denied the allegations and labeled her a liar. The trial, presided over by Judge Lewis Kaplan, has witnessed a series of heated exchanges between Trump and the judge, mirroring similar incidents during Trump’s civil fraud trial in state court.
A Tumultuous Courtroom: Trump’s Disruptive Behavior and Judge’s Stern Warning
The courtroom atmosphere turned tense when Trump’s audible commentary during Carroll’s testimony prompted Judge Kaplan to issue a stern warning. Trump’s attorney, Shawn Crowley, raised concerns that Trump’s remarks, such as “It is a witch hunt” and “it really is a con job,” could be overheard by the jury. Kaplan emphasized that Trump’s right to be present in court could be forfeited if he continued to be disruptive and disregarded court orders. Trump’s defiant response, expressing his desire to be excluded from the trial, led to a tense back-and-forth with the judge.
This incident mirrors Trump’s previous encounters with Judge Arthur Engoron in the civil fraud trial, where he faced warnings of removal as a witness for launching into political speeches and was even called to the witness stand for impromptu questioning. The current trial poses an even greater challenge for Judge Kaplan, as he has ruled that Trump cannot testify about his innocence or Carroll’s alleged lying, as those matters have already been decided in a previous civil trial.
Carroll’s Testimony: Fear, Safety Measures, and Harassing Messages
E. Jean Carroll took the witness stand and recounted the profound impact of Trump’s statements after she publicly accused him of sexual assault. She described the onslaught of threatening messages, which led her to take safety precautions such as hiring security and keeping a gun at her bedside. Carroll emotionally read out one of the violent messages she received, highlighting the disturbing nature of the threats she faced.
Carroll testified that the attacks began “instantaneously” after Trump’s 2019 statement denying the allegations, which she asserts are credible. She emphasized the shift from a world of facts to a universe of harassment and attacks on social media, news blogs, and messages.
During cross-examination, Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, questioned Carroll about the timing of the harassing messages, suggesting that they preceded Trump’s statements. Habba also raised issues with deleted threatening messages and made a motion for a mistrial, which was promptly denied by Judge Kaplan.
Judge’s Impatience with Trump’s Lawyers and Procedural Missteps
Trump’s lawyers also faced disputes with the judge. They requested Judge Kaplan’s recusal, citing a perceived “general hostility” toward Trump and his legal team. However, the judge promptly denied the request. Kaplan also admonished Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, for attempting to read from a deposition without having a copy or knowing the specific lines she wanted to read. He emphasized that the courtroom procedures would be conducted according to his directives.
Kaplan displayed little patience for procedural missteps on both sides, including Carroll’s attorney’s attempt to review exhibits ahead of time for potential redactions. He stressed that objections should be raised when documents are formally offered into evidence.
Trial Proceedings and Trump’s Absence
Carroll will continue her testimony on Thursday morning, with Habba completing her cross-examination. Trump is not expected to attend Thursday’s session due to his plans to travel to Florida for his mother-in-law’s funeral. Judge Kaplan declined to postpone the trial again in Trump’s absence.
If the defense calls Trump as a witness, they can do so on Monday, even if the rest of the case concludes on Thursday. The court will not be in session on Friday.
Trump’s Access to Media and Attacks on the Judge
Unlike the civil fraud trial in state court, Trump does not have easy access to a camera at the federal courthouse where the civil defamation trial is taking place. To compensate, he has utilized his property at 40 Wall Street, located about a mile south of the courthouse, as a platform to address the media and attack the judge and the case.
Trump made a brief statement without taking questions, criticizing Judge Kaplan and reiterating his claims of innocence, despite the previous civil jury’s finding that Carroll’s allegations were credible.
Conclusion
The civil defamation trial between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump has been marked by confrontations between Trump and the judge, as well as disputes with Trump’s lawyers. Carroll’s testimony highlighted the impact of the alleged assault and the subsequent threats she faced. The trial’s outcome remains uncertain, with Trump’s potential testimony posing a challenge for Judge Kaplan. The trial underscores the complexities of high-profile cases involving public figures and the challenges of maintaining order and decorum in the courtroom.