Former President Donald Trump continued his attacks against the judge overseeing the defamation case against him filed by E. Jean Carroll. Trump criticized the credibility of Carroll and attempted to undermine her claims during a statement to cameras after court proceedings. Carroll is seeking more than $10 million in damages after a previous jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming her, awarding her $5 million.
During his statement, Trump referred to Judge Kaplan as a 'radical Trump hater.' However, legal experts and those familiar with Judge Kaplan's work have described him as apolitical and professional. It is worth noting that federal judges, including Judge Kaplan, serve lifetime tenures and do not need to cater to any political affiliations.
Trump also continued to deny any involvement with Carroll and accused her of destroying evidence. However, under cross-examination, Carroll revealed that she had deleted some of the threats she received on social media, but this does not equate to destroying evidence. The ongoing legal proceedings are now focused on determining the extent of damages rather than establishing liability.
Despite the trial taking place in New York, Trump chose to make his statement there instead of being on the campaign trail in New Hampshire. His statement reflected his belief that he is a victim of an unfair judicial system, and he aimed to amplify this argument. Trump and his legal team did not adhere to some of the rules and decorum expected in court, leading to accusations of disruptive behavior.
Ahead of his campaign event in New Hampshire, Trump made inaccurate claims about the state's primary election rules, suggesting that Democrats could vote in the Republican primary. However, only registered Republicans and independents can participate, not Democrats. Trump's advisors acknowledge the rising popularity of potential 2024 opponent Nikki Haley and are working to undermine her momentum.
It is important to note that Trump's court appearances are voluntary, and he has the option to delay or skip proceedings. The strategic timing of his statements after the court proceedings allows him to control the media narrative and dominate discussions surrounding the upcoming presidential race.
Overall, Trump's continued attacks on Carroll and the judge, along with his denial of involvement and attempts to distort the facts, have raised questions about his credibility and legal strategy in the defamation case. The focus now shifts to determining the damages owed to Carroll based on the previous verdict that established Trump's liability for defamation and sexual abuse.
