Trump Clashes with Judge in Defamation Trial, Faces Threatening Messages Over Sexual Assault Allegations
In a highly anticipated civil defamation trial, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, engaged in a heated exchange with Judge Lewis Kaplan, resulting in stern warnings and comparisons to his previous courtroom behavior. The trial revolves around allegations made by E. Jean Carroll, a writer who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s.
A Tense Confrontation in the Courtroom
The clash between Trump and Judge Kaplan unfolded when Trump’s audible commentary during the trial caught the judge’s attention. Carroll’s attorney, Shawn Crowley, expressed concerns that Trump’s comments could be overheard by the jury. Despite Judge Kaplan’s repeated warnings to Trump to keep his voice down, Trump continued to make audible remarks, prompting the judge to sternly caution him.
This incident brought to mind Trump’s conduct during his civil fraud trial with Judge Arthur Engoron in New York state court, where Judge Engoron had to warn Trump about launching into political speeches and even called him up to the witness stand for impromptu questioning.
The judge’s stern warning to Trump highlighted the potential challenges that could arise if Trump were to testify in the defamation trial. Kaplan has ruled that Trump cannot testify that he did not assault Carroll or that she lied about the rape allegation, as those issues have already been decided by a civil jury in a previous trial.
Carroll’s Testimony: Facing Threats and Safety Concerns
E. Jean Carroll took the witness stand and recounted the harrowing experience she endured following Trump’s public statements denying the sexual assault allegations. Carroll described the onslaught of threatening messages she received, which forced her to take extensive safety precautions. She revealed that she hired security for both trials and kept a gun at her bedside out of fear.
Carroll’s voice trembled as she read aloud a particularly disturbing message she received after the trial last year. The message contained violent imagery and alluded to suicide. Carroll expressed her distress at the relentless attacks she faced due to Trump’s denials.
Trump’s Lawyers Spar with the Judge
Trump’s lawyers also engaged in several disputes with Judge Kaplan during the trial. They attempted to have the judge recuse himself due to alleged hostility towards Trump and his legal team. However, Kaplan denied their request.
Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, faced several admonishments from the judge for procedural missteps. Kaplan reminded Habba of the proper procedures for introducing evidence and expressed his impatience with her attempts to read from transcripts without having the necessary documentation.
Trump’s Absence and Ongoing Legal Battles
Trump was not present in court on Thursday as he traveled to Florida for his mother-in-law’s funeral. Judge Kaplan declined to postpone the trial in Trump’s absence, despite requests from his legal team.
The ongoing defamation trial is just one of several legal challenges Trump is facing. He is also embroiled in a criminal investigation related to the January 6th Capitol riot and faces a civil lawsuit brought by the New York Attorney General alleging that he misled donors to his charitable foundation.
Trump’s Media Appearances and Attacks on the Judge
In the wake of the courtroom clash, Trump took to social media and appeared at his 40 Wall Street building to attack Judge Kaplan and the ongoing trial. He labeled the judge as “nasty” and “a Trump-hating guy.”
Trump’s attacks on the judge and the legal proceedings underscore his continued defiance and unwillingness to accept the legitimacy of the accusations against him. His actions raise concerns about the potential for further disruptions and challenges in the ongoing trial.
Conclusion
The civil defamation trial between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump has brought to light the deep divisions and contentious atmosphere surrounding the allegations of sexual assault against the former president. Trump’s confrontational behavior in court and his attacks on the judge have cast a shadow over the proceedings.
As the trial continues, the focus remains on Carroll’s testimony and the evidence presented by both sides. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for Trump’s reputation and could potentially influence the ongoing criminal investigations and civil lawsuits against him.