Former president Donald Trump, who is now facing a defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, was embroiled in chaotic scenes on Friday in a New York federal court. The trial, which was characterized by heated arguments and tense exchanges, saw Trump’s attorney being threatened with lock-up by the judge and the former president himself storming out of the courtroom.
The case, which centers on an accusation by Carroll that Trump raped her in a New York department store in the 1990s, has already found the former president liable for defamation. Friday’s proceedings were meant to determine the amount of damages that Trump would owe to Carroll, who is seeking $10 million for the trauma she experienced.
At the start of the trial, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan became agitated when Trump’s attorney Alina Habba persisted in showing a slide to the jurors that had not been entered into evidence. Carroll’s legal team immediately objected, leading to a tense exchange between Habba and the judge.
“You are on the verge of spending some time in the lockup,” Kaplan warned Habba. “Sit down.” This admonishment from the judge seemed to have the desired effect, as Habba immediately sat down.
Throughout the day, the tension in the courtroom was palpable, culminating in a moment when Trump abruptly walked out of the courtroom during Carroll’s closing arguments. While his presence was not required for civil proceedings, it was noted by the judge that Trump had left in a dramatic fashion.
“The record will reflect that Mr. Trump just rose and walked out of the courtroom,” noted Kaplan sternly. “Defense counsel are to remain seated.”
Trump later returned to the courtroom, just in time to hear the closing arguments from his own legal team. His attorney, Alina Habba, argued that the case was misdirected, as it revolves around online trolls and Trump should not be held liable for the actions of others.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t about President Trump and E. Jean Carroll, this is about some people in their mother’s basements who will always be mean on social media, you can’t stop that,” Habba asserted, according to the New York Post.
Carroll’s attorney, on the other hand, argued for an increased penalty for Trump, stating that he deserved to pay at least $24 million for his defamatory comments toward Carroll. The attorney also accused Trump of trying to evade responsibility for his actions and called for justice to be served.
The day before the trial, legal expert Nick Ackerman predicted that Judge Kaplan would have Trump removed from the courtroom if he stepped out of line. Ackerman, a former prosecutor, stated that the judge had the marshals lined up and ready to remove Trump if necessary.
“I think the judge has already got the marshals lined up,” said Ackerman. “If [Trump] steps one iota out of line, he’s going to be taken out by the marshals.”
The case has garnered widespread attention and media coverage, with many speculating on the outcome and its potential implications for Trump’s future legal battles. The trial has also sparked discussions about the role of defamation laws and online harassment in the digital age, as Carroll’s case is centered on comments made by Trump on social media.
As the trial came to a close, many were left wondering about the ultimate fate of both parties involved. The judge’s threat to have Trump’s attorney placed in lockup, as well as Trump’s dramatic exit from the courtroom, added to the already dramatic and tense atmosphere of the proceedings.
It remains to be seen how much the former president will ultimately have to pay in damages, and what impact this trial will have on his political and legal future. For now, all eyes are trained on the courtroom, waiting for the judge’s final ruling.