Former President Donald Trump clashed with the judge overseeing his trial with the writer E. Jean Carroll, prompting the judge to threaten to kick him out of the courtroom if he didn't comply with his directives.
Trump returned to the federal courthouse on Wednesday for the second day of the trial in the defamation case brought by Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store in the 1990s.
Judge Lewis Kaplan has already found that Trump's comments in 2019 calling her a liar and denying her account were defamatory, and the trial is focused solely on what damages Carroll should receive. She was awarded $5 million last year in a separate defamation case over other Trump comments, in which he was found liable for sexual abuse.
Carroll took the witness stand Wednesday morning. During a break in testimony, her attorney Shawn Crowley complained to the judge that Trump was making audible comments that the jury could hear. Later on, Crowley said Trump continued to comment on Carroll's testimony despite Kaplan's warnings to remain quiet. She said she heard Trump remark, "It is a witch hunt, and it really is a con job."
The judge stated that Mr. Trump has the right to be present in court, but that right can be forfeited if he disrupts the proceedings or disregards court orders.
The judge then cautioned Trump that he could be banned from attending, to which Trump responded, "I would love it."
"You just can't control yourself," the judge remarked.
Trump retorted, "You can't either."
It is worth noting that the former president's presence at the trial is not obligatory. He showed up on the first day of proceedings after winning the Iowa caucuses, but left early to hold a campaign rally in New Hampshire before returning to New York. The primary in the Granite State is scheduled for next Tuesday.
E. Jean Carroll's Testimony
During her testimony, Carroll discussed her background, career, and the impact that Trump's denial of her account in 2019 has had on her life.
"This really devastated me," she said, her voice trembling. As a former advice columnist, she used to receive emails seeking guidance, which brought her joy. However, she now receives hundreds of negative messages every day.
Trump Accused of Threats and Denial in Court
During her testimony, the jury and Trump were shown screenshots of a series of extraordinarily descriptive and graphic threats of violence that the plaintiff has received. One text message read: "I'm very sorry, my friend said he wants to kill you and I cannot stop him."
The plaintiff became emotional twice while the threats were displayed and apologized to the room for having to see the messages. She mentioned that she still cannot afford the personal security she would like and relies on her pit bull to patrol her yard.
The plaintiff's attorneys also presented a video from Trump's Truth Social platform, where he once again denied knowing who she was and referred to her lawsuit as a witch hunt. In the courtroom, Trump could be heard confirming the statement.
When asked if she has gotten used to the online attacks, the plaintiff responded, "Never. I will never, never get used to attacks like that."
The jury closely observed Trump during the plaintiff's testimony, taking notes and appearing attentive.
The trial is expected to conclude by the end of the week, but the judge has expressed willingness to delay its end if Trump chooses to testify on Monday. However, the former president has not indicated whether he intends to take the stand.
