After a day filled with dramatic twists and heated arguments, the defamation damages trial against former President Donald Trump has now been handed over to the jury at the Manhattan courthouse. This trial stems from allegations made by E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her and subsequently defaming her character.
The jury, consisting of seven men and two women, has the crucial task of determining the amount of compensation Trump should pay to Carroll for his denial of the assault and his disparaging remarks about her. It is important to note that in a previous trial, another jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting Carroll and ordered him to pay $5 million in damages for defamation in 2022.
The courtroom proceedings experienced a tumultuous start when Trump's attorney was admonished by the judge for interrupting and even issued a warning of potential imprisonment. Shortly after, Trump himself dramatically stormed out of the courtroom while lawyer Roberta Kaplan began her closing arguments. The judge made a point to document Trump's abrupt departure.
During her statement to the jury, Kaplan urged them to hit Trump where it hurts the most - his wallet. She emphasized that Trump is a wealthy individual and the only way to deter him from spreading falsehoods is to impose substantial punitive damages. Trump's attorney, Alina Haba, fired back by suggesting that Carroll had initiated the case to regain her lavish lifestyle. Haba argued that Trump should not be held responsible for any hate mail or threats Carroll may have received as a consequence of her public accusations.
Adding further intrigue to the proceedings, Trump posted a fiery statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, in the middle of the night. Claiming ignorance about Carroll's identity and origins, he labeled the trial as another scam and a political witch hunt, vowing to fight back.
As the jury continues to deliberate, the expected timeline for a verdict remains uncertain. The judge has informed the jury that they have until 4:30 pm to reach a decision, and at the time of reporting, they have been deliberating for about two hours and twenty minutes. Notably, Trump departed the courthouse in his motorcade while the jury continues their discussion, meaning he would not be present to hear the verdict if it is returned today.
Ultimately, this trial rests solely on the question of financial compensation rather than the issues of sexual assault or defamation, as those have already been resolved in a previous proceeding. Carroll's attorneys are seeking more than $24 million in compensatory and emotional damages, as well as a significant sum in punitive damages, arguing that Trump must be held accountable for the consequences of his words as a high-profile figure. The jury's decision will determine the monetary consequences Trump faces for his actions.
