Donald Trump on Trial for Defamation in E Jean Carroll Case

Former President Donald Trump is currently on trial in New York City for defamation in the case filed by E Jean Carroll, a former columnist for Elle Magazine. The trial aims to determine whether Trump will have to pay additional damages for defaming Carroll in 2019.

Last year, a separate trial found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and for defaming her in a 2022 social media post. Trump has consistently denied the allegations and stated that he does not know who Carroll is.

On the second day of the trial, tensions rose as Trump’s lawyers accused Carroll of seeking publicity and questioned her motives for continuing to publicize her lawsuits against Trump. Carroll, in response, stated that she wanted to show that women can speak up and win trials.

During her testimony, Carroll spoke about the impact the backlash following her rape accusation had on her reputation. She revealed that she has faced death threats and insults, which left her in fear for her safety. Her attorney displayed a series of threatening messages in court.

Amid the heated exchanges, Judge Lewis Kaplan threatened to kick Trump out of court after he was overheard criticizing Carroll’s testimony. Trump’s lawyers also clashed with the judge multiple times, with his attorney, Alina Habba, requesting a trial delay due to the former president needing to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral.

In response to the trial proceedings, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to voice his displeasure with the judge, accusing him of being biased. Trump is expected to take the stand on Monday.

Outside the courtroom, Trump expressed frustration at the trial and the judge’s decisions, calling it a “disgrace.” He also mentioned his ongoing legal battles, including 91 felony charges and a civil fraud trial in New York.

The trial comes as Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican party’s presidential nomination, following his recent victory in the Iowa caucuses. His legal troubles continue to surround him as he fights these cases.