Judge Lewis A. Kaplan tossed much of the evidence in the definition trial against Donald Trump, brought on by writer E. Jean Carroll, calling it “irrelevant.”
What’s Out
According to Newsweek, the Judge ruled on January 14 that Trump’s legal team cannot use Carroll’s CNN interview from 2019 to imply the writer was trying to “garner media attention” to boost sales of her book.
The Second Trial
During the initial trial, the former president was found liable for assault and defamation. This trial is focused on the damages and additional claims of defamation. While the first trial was about the abuse, this one concerns the 2019 defamation claims.
Trump Continued Slamming Carroll Even After the First Trial in May 2023
The ex-president and GOP’s likely nominee in the 2024 elections called the trial “rigged” and said the Elle columnist and a writer was a “whack job.” Some of the claims were made a day after the verdict, during CNN’s town hall interview with the 45th president.
The Smoking Gun
During May’s civil trial, the smoking gun came from Trump’s deposition, where he claimed he never met Carroll and stated, “She’s not my type.” During the deposition, the former president was presented with a photo, where he identified Ivana Trump and his second wife, Marla Maples. However, it was not Maples in the picture but Carroll, proving the two met and put his claims that he was “not his type” under question.
$5 Million in Damages
Carroll was rewarded $5 million in damages during the first civil trial. While Trump did not show up during the first one, he’s expected to be present during the second. He asked for the delay due to the death of his mother-in-law, but the Judge ruled that a trial delay was not possible. However, Trump was allowed to testify a week later.
Calendar Issue
Trump’s failed attempt to postpone the trial suffered another blow after Business Insider reported that Trump had a campaign rally scheduled in New Hampshire on the day he was supposed to be “traveling to be with his family.” Carroll’s lawyers wrote, “There was no mention made of any scheduling conflict in connection with Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign.”
Trump’s Attorney Responded
Alina Habba, one of Trump’s lawyers, said, “Given that this is one of life’s sad, unexpected realities, President Trump would greatly appreciate this minor accommodation during this difficult time,” adding, “I cannot imagine how this would prejudice Plaintiff.” Judge Kaplan’s ruling said that the trial cannot be postponed but added, “Mr. Trump is free to attend the trial, the funeral, or all or parts of both, as he wishes.”
Trump’s Rant Against the Judge
Judge Kaplan made an appearance on Truth Social, where Trump wrote, “Crazed, Trump hating Judge, Lewis Kaplan … was asked if he could delay this Rigged Political Scam for one day so that I could attend the FUNERAL OF MY BELOVED MOTHER-IN-LAW WITH MY WIFE, THE FORMER (AND NEXT!) FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES — AND HE SAID NO.”
That Was Just the Beginning
Trump continued, “He is a bad person and an even worse Judge,” and added, “Appointed by, and friends with, Clinton, he purposely scheduled this HOAX right in the middle of the important New Hampshire Primary.” Trump further shared, “This is the second trial concerning the same person, who is represented and financed by POLITICAL OPERATIVES. It could have taken place at any time, including months ago.”
Loving Husband
“Can anyone imagine a husband not going to his wife’s mother’s funeral over a MADE UP STORY – A story that has been allowed to simmer by a really bad Judge who suffers from TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME!” the former president concluded.
Carroll’s Attorney Warned of “Chaos”
Roberta Kaplan, not related to the Judge,” is an attorney for Carroll. In a filing, the lawyer wrote, “If Mr Trump appears at this trial, whether as a witness or otherwise, his recent statements and behavior strongly suggest that he will seek to sow chaos.”
Trump’s NYC Trial Just Concluded
This trial begins days after Trump’s fraud trial concluded, and Judge Engoron’s decision is expected by January 31. Hours before the closing arguments, the Judge received a bomb threat in his Long Island residence. It was, in fact, another swatting incident.”
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