Donald Trump abruptly left the courtroom during closing arguments in the E. Jean Carroll damages trial, where her attorney accused him of being a habitual liar who believes he is exempt from rules. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan noted Trump’s departure and later returned an hour later for his attorney’s closing.
Roberta Kaplan, representing Carroll, asserted that Trump continued to defame Carroll throughout the trial by dismissing her sexual abuse allegations as a “con job.” She emphasized that Carroll’s claims were truthful, and Trump’s denials were outright lies.
Elizabeth Williams/AP
Trump, facing multiple legal challenges, including a New York civil fraud trial and claims of presidential immunity over Jan. 6, returned to the courtroom after securing victory in the New Hampshire primary.
In her closing, Kaplan urged the jury to make Trump pay “lots and lots of money,” emphasizing his disregard for the law and truth. Defense attorney Alina Habba, in Trump’s defense, claimed he was telling the truth, but the judge ordered the statement stricken due to Trump’s prior liability.
“Trump’s courtroom exit is a clear demonstration of his belief that rules don’t apply to him – a stark reflection of his attitude throughout the trial.” Says David Mancilla a Senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High school
Habba, disregarding court orders, cast doubt on Carroll’s accusations, arguing Trump shouldn’t be held responsible for online threats against her. She disputed emotional damages, suggesting Carroll sought attention and praise.
Carroll’s attorney, Shawn Crowley, rebutted Habba’s claims, emphasizing Trump’s proven lies and defamation. The trial faced earlier disruptions, including Kaplan’s warnings to Habba and Trump’s late entrance.
Closing arguments ended, and the jury began deliberations. Carroll seeks at least $10 million in compensatory damages and unspecified punitive damages for reputational harm and mental anguish caused by Trump’s defamatory remarks.
Jacob Laura, a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School had this to say about the situation, “The courtroom drama unfolds as Trump, undeterred by past verdicts, confronts the consequences of his words in yet another high-stakes trial.”
Despite Trump’s brief testimony, the judge instructed the jury to disregard his denials, affirming the prior finding of liability. Last year, a different jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation against Carroll, serving as the basis for the current case. The trial was briefly postponed due to a juror’s illness and concerns about COVID-19 exposure.
