Trump Returns to Court for E. Jean Carroll Case
Former President Donald Trump returned to a New York City courtroom on Tuesday morning after winning the Iowa Republican caucuses.
The case revolves around defamation allegations brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s.
Trump Back In Court For E. Jean Carroll Case; Judge Denies Delay For Trump To Attend Mother-In-Law’s Funeral https://t.co/e0c0dRc0ee pic.twitter.com/mBYMYsUPNb
— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) January 16, 2024
In September, a judge ruled Trump liable for defamatory remarks made in 2019 regarding Carroll's accusations. The trial is now focused on determining damages, with Carroll seeking at least $10 million.
Trump's legal team sought a delay in the trial, requesting time for the former president to attend his mother-in-law's funeral.
U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan denied the request. Trump's lawyer, Alina Habba, subsequently asked if the trial could continue but be adjourned on Thursday for the funeral, which was also denied.
Judge Kaplan clarified that Trump didn't need to be present for the entire trial and could testify on a different day.
Trump has been vocal about his opinions on Judge Kaplan and Carroll, alleging bias and expressing frustration.
He took to his Truth Social account to criticize the judge, claiming "absolute hatred" and asserting that he never touched Carroll.
Trump questioned the validity of Carroll's accusations, citing his celebrity status and the alleged impossibility of going unnoticed in a crowded department store.
In a post, Trump emphasized the need for an end to the "unAmerican injustice" he perceives, considering himself wrongfully accused by a woman he claims he never met or touched.
He also shared a video of Carroll discussing rape as a "fantasy" during an interview with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, adding commentary expressing disbelief at having to defend against her "fake story" as he continues his case and his comeback bid for the White House.
