Closing arguments in the civil defamation trial against former President Donald Trump have concluded, marking the final phase of the highly publicized lawsuit brought forth by E. Jean Carroll. The jury will now begin deliberations, with a verdict potentially being reached as early as this afternoon. The trial revolves around defamatory statements made by Trump regarding Carroll, prompting her to seek tens of millions of dollars in damages.
During closing arguments, Carroll's legal team urged the jury to hold Trump accountable for his actions. They argued that the only way to prevent him from making further defamatory statements is to impose a significant financial penalty. Seeking compensatory damages in the amount of at least $24 million, Carroll's attorneys also called for substantial punitive damages. They emphasized that the case is not only about seeking restitution for the harm suffered by their client but also about punishing Trump for his repeated and ongoing misconduct. Carroll's lawyers highlighted Trump's refusal to cease making such statements even after a previous judgment found him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming her.
Tensions flared during the trial when Trump abruptly left the courtroom while Carroll's attorneys made their closing arguments. His legal team responded by arguing that Carroll was seeking publicity and had willingly courted attention by going public. They cited interviews in which Carroll appeared to enjoy the attention she received. Trump's defense counsel contended that the former president should not be held responsible for the words or actions of internet trolls and asserted that it was unjust for Carroll to demand financial redress for mere 'mean tweets.' The defense also presented text messages from Carroll's friend, who likened her to a participant in a Christmas parade, implying that she was relishing the attention.
Carroll's legal team countered these claims by explaining that individuals can simultaneously experience enjoyment and be deeply affected by hurtful actions. They emphasized the negative consequences Carroll faced, such as hate mail and threats that echoed the sentiments expressed by Trump. By linking the adverse outcomes directly to the former president's defamatory remarks, they sought to reinforce the gravity of his actions.
At present, the judge is providing instructions to the jury, a process expected to last approximately thirty minutes. Subsequently, the jury will commence deliberations to reach a verdict in this closely watched trial. The outcome of this case will not only determine the financial restitution owed to Carroll but also may have broader implications for individuals seeking accountability for public figures' defamatory statements.
