Trump Clashes with Judge in Defamation Trial, Carroll Testifies About Impact of Alleged Assault
January 18, 2024 | CNN
In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with Judge Lewis Kaplan during a civil defamation trial in New York, where E. Jean Carroll accused him of sexual assault. Trump’s disruptive behavior prompted Kaplan to threaten removing him from the courtroom, adding to a series of in-court clashes Trump has had during ongoing civil trials.
Trump’s Disruptive Behavior in Court
Trump’s audible commentary during the trial led to warnings from Judge Kaplan to keep his voice down and avoid disrupting the proceedings. The judge’s admonishments drew comparisons to Trump’s behavior during his civil fraud trial, where he faced similar criticism for political speeches and disregarding court orders.
Carroll’s Testimony
E. Jean Carroll took the stand and recounted the profound impact of Trump’s statements following her public accusation of sexual assault. She described the threatening messages she received, the precautions she took due to the harassment, and the toll it took on her sense of safety.
“I thought I was going to get shot,” Carroll said, recalling the fear and anxiety she experienced.
Trump’s Lawyers’ Disputes with the Judge
Trump’s attorneys clashed with Judge Kaplan over several issues, including a request to postpone the trial for Trump’s mother-in-law’s funeral and objections to the admission of evidence. The judge displayed impatience with procedural missteps from both sides, emphasizing the proper order of introducing evidence and respecting court procedures.
Trump’s Attacks on the Judge
Trump took to social media and later addressed the media at his property at 40 Wall Street to criticize Judge Kaplan, calling him “a nasty judge” and accusing him of bias against him. Trump’s comments contradicted the judge’s instructions not to discuss the case publicly, potentially creating further complications in the trial.
Implications for Future Trials
The ongoing trial serves as a preview of potential challenges if Trump’s criminal trials are held this year while he runs for president. Trump’s history of courtroom clashes raises concerns about his ability to adhere to court orders and maintain decorum during legal proceedings.
Additional Details
- Carroll’s Cross-Examination: Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, questioned Carroll during cross-examination, focusing on the timing of the alleged assault and the harassing messages she received before Trump made public statements denying the allegations.
- Trump’s Potential Testimony: Kaplan ruled that if Trump testifies, he will not be allowed to deny the alleged assault or accuse Carroll of lying, as those matters were already decided in the previous civil trial.
- Trial Schedule: Carroll is expected to return to the stand for further cross-examination on Thursday morning. Trump’s defense can call him as a witness on Monday if necessary, even if the rest of the case concludes on Thursday.
Conclusion
The ongoing civil defamation trial between Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll highlights the former president’s continued confrontational approach in legal proceedings. Trump’s clashes with the judge and his attorneys underscore the potential challenges ahead if his criminal trials are held while he campaigns for president. Carroll’s testimony sheds light on the profound impact of Trump’s public statements on her life, emphasizing the importance of accountability for alleged misconduct.