Trump returns to court for E. Jean Carroll case; judge denies delay for mother-in-law’s funeral
Former President Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump was back in a New York City courtroom on Tuesday morning, hours after winning the Iowa Republican caucuses, for a case concerning defamation against writer E. Jean Carroll.
A judge in September ruled that Trump is liable for making defamatory remarks about Carroll in 2019, when she first publicly accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store during the mid-1990s. This trial is limited to damages stemming from that ruling; Carroll is seeking at least $10 million.
Notably, Trump’s legal team has asked U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan if the trial could be delayed so the former president could attend his mother-in-law Amalija Knavs’ funeral on Thursday. Judge Kaplan said no, and on Tuesday, Trump’s lawyer Alina Habba asked Kaplan if the trial could continue, but to “grant an adjournment” Thursday so Trump could attend the funeral. That, too, was denied.
CNN reported Tuesday that Kaplan said Trump did not have to be present for the entire trial and could testify if he wanted to on a different day and, therefore, doesn’t need to pause the trial on Thursday.
Trump has been outspoken about Judge Kaplan and Carroll. He posted to his Truth Social account on Tuesday that the judge is biased and has “absolute hatred” for him, and said he never “touched” Carroll.
“The only right, honest, and lawful thing that Clinton-appointed Judge Lewis Kaplan, who has so far been unable to see clearly because of his absolute hatred of Donald J. Trump (ME!), can do is to end this unAmerican injustice being done to a President of the United States, who was wrongfully accused by a woman he never met, saw, or touched (a photo line does not count!), and knows absolutely nothing about,” Trump wrote in a post.
“I have been considered an A-List celebrity for many decades, so even decades ago, since no one knows which date or dates to refer to, because the accusing woman can’t say the day, month, season, year, or decade, it would have been impossible for me to walk into a crowded department store (surrounded by buildings I own), right opposite the cashiers’ checkout desk, without being written about on Page Six, and every other outlet at the time,” he continued. “Remember, those gossip columnists were, perhaps, even more vicious and obsessed than the Internet of today.”
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The president also posted a viral video of Carroll speaking to CNN anchor Anderson Cooper about rape being largely viewed as a “fantasy.” Cooper looks visibly uncomfortable during the exchange and cuts to break.
“Can you believe I have to defend myself against this woman’s fake story?” Trump captioned the video.
Trump shares the E Jean Carroll clip where she told Anderson Cooper that people “think rape is sexy.”
Trump: “Can you believe I have to defend myself against this woman’s fake story?!” pic.twitter.com/6EiRHo64YH
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) January 16, 2024
Related: Trump Found Liable For Defamation In Second E. Jean Carroll Case, Judge Rules
How has Trump’s leadership and controversial actions affected the Republican Party and its support base
Ited States and the Republican Party,” Trump wrote.
Carroll’s lawyer Roberta Kaplan fired back, saying that Trump’s request for a delay was nothing but a tactic to avoid facing justice. She emphasized that the case is about holding Trump accountable for his defamatory remarks, and it should proceed without interruption.
This trial is significant as it is a test of Trump’s accountability and the extent of his presidential immunity. While in office, Trump claimed absolute immunity from civil suits, arguing that as a sitting president, he should not be subject to litigation. However, many legal experts have argued that this immunity does not extend to actions taken before or unrelated to his presidency.
Trump’s legal battle with Carroll is just one of the many lawsuits he faces post-presidency. He is also embroiled in investigations into his business practices and tax returns, as well as allegations of inciting the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Regardless of the outcome of these legal battles, Trump’s four years in office has left a significant impact on American politics and society. His leadership style, policies, and rhetoric have polarized the nation, leading to deep divisions that continue to persist today.
Trump remains a prominent figure in the Republican Party, with many still supporting his leadership and agenda. However, his controversial actions and statements have also alienated a significant portion of the population, leading to fractures within the party.
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact Trump’s political future. Whether he will face consequences for his alleged actions or retain his influence within the Republican Party, one thing is certain – the legacy of Donald Trump will continue to shape American politics for years to come.
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