Former President Donald Trump will be facing E. Jean Carroll in court today as she testifies against him in a defamation lawsuit. Carroll accuses Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s, and she claims that he defamed her by denying the allegations and attacking her reputation.
Carroll's attorney argued in the opening statements that Trump used his powerful platform to humiliate and destroy her. He pointed out that Trump continues to post about Carroll on social media, even as the trial began. The focus of the case, however, will be on two specific statements that Trump made in 2019.
During today's testimony, Carroll will recount how she felt scared and harassed by Trump's followers after he denied the rape allegations. She will describe the hate-filled emails, mean tweets, and threats that she received, which led her to sleep with a gun for protection. The goal is to illustrate the impact of Trump's statements on her life.
Trump will be present in the courtroom, sitting at the defense table, while Carroll takes the stand. This confrontation adds intensity to the trial, as the two face each other directly. Trump's legal team intends to cross-examine Carroll and argue that she was not harmed by his statements. They claim that her career actually benefited from the attention she received for making these allegations against Trump.
The judge has made it clear that this trial will not reexamine the sexual abuse allegations from 1996, but will focus on the defamation aspect. This means that the jury will have to determine whether Trump's statements about Carroll were false and damaging to her reputation.
The proceedings have attracted significant attention due to the involvement of a former president. Trump's team has also hinted that he may testify sometime during the trial, though it remains to be seen if he does.
Today's testimony is expected to be a tense and potentially emotional moment in the courtroom, as Carroll shares her experience while Trump listens to her story. The trial will continue with the defense having an opportunity to cross-examine Carroll and present their side of the case.
Ultimately, the jury will decide whether Trump is liable for defaming Carroll and potentially award damages. As the trial unfolds, it will undoubtedly shed light on the ongoing legal battle between Carroll and the former president.
