Closing arguments are currently underway in the defamation case against former President Donald Trump in a New York federal court. The proceedings started with a delay of 10 minutes, during which the judge questioned if Trump would be present. Trump eventually arrived, but unexpectedly walked out of court while the prosecution was making its closing argument. Writer E. Jean Carroll is seeking over $10 million in damages from Trump.
The judge reminded everyone, prior to the start of the closing arguments, that there should be no interruptions or audible comments during the proceedings. Trump's departure from the courtroom during closing arguments has raised questions about the motive behind his actions. Some speculate that it may be a strategy employed by the defense to divert attention away from the evidence and comments made by Trump in the past that may be detrimental to his case.
On the previous day, Trump took the stand briefly, aiming to deny the accusations leveled against him by E. Jean Carroll. However, the judge swiftly brought the session to a close, stating that Trump's denial was legally irrelevant, as a previous jury had already found him liable for the defamation.
During the closing argument, the plaintiff's attorney emphasized that Trump had shown a lack of respect for the judicial process, highlighting his continuous attacks against Carroll and attempts to undermine the previous jury's verdict. The intention was to present Trump's behavior as a basis for punitive damages, in order to hold him accountable and deter future defamation.
The walkout by Trump further intensified the already dramatic atmosphere. The judge responded by mentioning the possibility of sending Trump's lawyer to lockup, considering the disruptive nature of the proceeding. It is speculated that Trump's actions were aimed at creating a distraction and turning the trial into a circus rather than a legitimate legal process.
The trial is expected to conclude soon, as it has been relatively short and the case revolves around a straightforward issue of determining the amount of damages. If a verdict is reached quickly, it would not bode well for Trump's defense. However, a prolonged deliberation may provide some hope for the defense team. Updates on the trial will continue to be reported.
