Trump Clashes with Judge, Faces Accuser in Civil Defamation Trial
New York, NY – January 18, 2024
By [Author’s Name]
In a courtroom drama worthy of a prime-time legal thriller, former President Donald Trump locked horns with Judge Lewis Kaplan during the civil defamation trial brought against him by E. Jean Carroll, a writer who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s.
Trump’s Outburst and Judge’s Warning
The trial, which commenced on Tuesday, took a dramatic turn when Trump’s audible commentary during the proceedings prompted Judge Kaplan to issue a stern warning. Trump’s lawyer, Shawn Crowley, complained that Trump’s remarks, which included phrases like “witch hunt” and “con job,” could be overheard by the jury.
Kaplan responded by cautioning Trump to control his behavior and maintain silence while the jury was out of the courtroom. He warned that disruptive conduct could lead to Trump’s removal from the trial. Trump, visibly agitated, protested the judge’s directive, expressing a desire to be excluded from the proceedings.
Trump’s History of In-Court Confrontations
Trump’s clash with Judge Kaplan is reminiscent of similar incidents during his civil fraud trial in New York state court last year. In that case, Judge Arthur Engoron threatened to remove Trump as a witness for making political speeches during his testimony. Trump was also called to the witness stand for impromptu questioning after violating the judge’s gag order on statements about court staff.
The ongoing defamation trial presents an even greater challenge for Judge Kaplan, as he has ruled that Trump cannot testify that he did not assault Carroll or that she lied about the rape allegation. These questions were already decided by a civil jury in last year’s trial.
Carroll’s Testimony: Fear, Harassment, and Safety Concerns
E. Jean Carroll took the stand on Wednesday, recounting the profound impact Trump’s statements had on her life after she came forward with her allegations of sexual assault. She described the onslaught of threatening messages and the heightened sense of fear that prompted her to hire security and keep a gun at her bedside.
Carroll recounted a particularly disturbing message she received after the trial last year, in which the sender graphically described suicide by gunshot. She expressed her concern that many women could vividly picture the violent image conveyed by the message.
Carroll testified that the attacks began “instantaneously” after Trump’s public denial of her allegations in 2019. She faced a barrage of harassment on social media, news blogs, and through direct messages.
Trump’s Lawyers Engage in Disputes with Judge
Trump’s legal team also engaged in several disputes with Judge Kaplan throughout the trial. They requested a mistrial due to Carroll’s deletion of threatening messages, which Kaplan promptly denied. They also sought to have the judge recuse himself, citing “general hostility” towards Trump and his lawyers. Kaplan rejected this motion as well.
Trump’s Absence from Trial and Planned Rally
Trump is not expected to attend the remainder of the trial, as he plans to travel to Florida for his mother-in-law’s funeral. Judge Kaplan declined to postpone the trial in Trump’s absence, stating that the defense could call Trump as a witness on Monday if necessary.
Trump’s absence from the courtroom has led him to seek alternative platforms to voice his grievances. He made a brief statement outside his property at 40 Wall Street, attacking Judge Kaplan and reiterating his denial of Carroll’s allegations. Trump then departed for New Hampshire, where he plans to hold a campaign rally ahead of next week’s primary.
Conclusion
The civil defamation trial between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump continues to unfold, marked by heated exchanges, procedural disputes, and emotional testimony. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain, and Trump’s ongoing legal battles are likely to remain a significant part of his political and personal life in the coming months.