In a dramatic turn of events during the defamation trial involving E. Jean Carroll and former President Donald Trump, a federal judge delivered a stern warning to Trump on Wednesday. The cautionary words came after allegations that Trump’s disruptive behavior and disparaging comments during Carroll’s testimony could lead to his expulsion from the trial.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan asserted Trump’s right to be present at the trial but emphasized that this privilege could be forfeited if the former president continued to act disruptively and defy court orders. Kaplan’s warning came after Carroll, an 80-year-old advice columnist for Elle magazine, testified that Trump’s denial of raping her decades earlier had damaged her reputation irreparably. Carroll is seeking damages of at least $10 million.
During a recess, Carroll’s lawyer, Shawn Crowley, revealed Trump’s dismissive comments, quoting him as saying, “It is a witch hunt, it really is a con job.” This prompted the judge to caution Trump about maintaining decorum in the courtroom.
Kaplan bluntly addressed Trump, stating, “Mr. Trump, I hope I don’t have to consider excluding you from the trial. I understand you are probably very eager for me to do that.”
Despite Trump’s expressed desire to testify in his defense, he opted to skip the trial’s opening statements, attending a New Hampshire campaign event instead. Trump’s legal battles have become a focal point of his 2024 White House aspirations, with his social media platform, Truth Social, used to criticize Carroll and the judge even after the trial commenced.
Following the judge’s warning, Trump took to social media, branding Kaplan as a “seething and hostile” judge suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” This move aligns with Trump’s strategy of leveraging legal challenges to rally supporters and garner financial support for his political endeavors.
The trial, stemming from Trump’s denial of raping Carroll in 2019, has seen the former president accused of destroying Carroll’s reputation. In a previous trial last May, Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million for defamation and sexual abuse. Kaplan has ruled that Trump sexually abused Carroll, leaving only the question of damages for the jury to decide.
Carroll, emotional during her testimony, asserted that Trump’s lies had devastated her credibility, exposing her to online attacks, including death threats. Despite the challenges, Carroll expressed gratitude for taking action against Trump’s alleged assault.
Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, attempted to shift blame during cross-examination, suggesting that Carroll welcomed the attention and attacks. Habba also unsuccessfully sought a mistrial, accusing Carroll of deleting crucial emails.
As the trial continues, the courtroom remains a battleground where the former president’s disruptive behavior may jeopardize his participation in this high-stakes legal drama.
