Former President Donald Trump and writer E. Jean Carroll have returned to court for the fifth day of their defamation trial in Manhattan. The trial follows a jury's decision in May that the former president was liable for sexually assaulting Ms. Carroll in 1996 and defaming her. Despite the previous jury's findings, Mr. Trump continues to deny the allegations.
As the proceedings begin on a rainy day in New York City, all eyes are on the former president. When he left Trump Tower, he appeared to be in high spirits, raising a fist in the air, signaling optimism about potentially testifying in his own defense. However, it remains uncertain whether he will actually take the stand during this trial.
Judge Lewis Kaplan, known for his tough approach, is likely to focus on the issue of damages rather than reevaluating the facts of the case. The previous jury had already determined that Mr. Trump assaulted Ms. Carroll. Therefore, the focus of this trial will be on assessing the monetary compensation to be awarded to the plaintiff.
It is unclear whether the former president will testify in the presence of the jury. Should he choose to speak, the judge will decide whether his testimony is admissible. The trial will proceed accordingly.
Ms. Carroll is seeking compensation of at least $10 million for the damages she claims to have suffered. This amount will be determined based on the evidence and arguments presented in court.
The defamation trial between Mr. Trump and Ms. Carroll has attracted significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the parties involved. The case not only examines allegations of sexual assault but also focuses on the issue of the former president's remarks about the incident.
As the trial continues, the public awaits the outcome and the subsequent decision on the amount of damages to be awarded. The proceedings hold considerable weight, as they could impact how the public perceives and addresses allegations of sexual assault and defamation involving individuals in positions of power.
