Donald Trump’s lawyers have made a request to Manhattan federal court to keep his deposition transcript out of the hands of the jury in the upcoming trial, scheduled to begin on January 16. The trial revolves around Trump’s alleged defamation of columnist E Jean Carroll, who claims that he sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan luxury department store in 1996. Carroll, now 80 years old, plans to testify about the significant impact the allegations have had on her life, as well as the threats she has faced since Trump denied knowing her and accused her of making false accusations.
Trump’s lawyers have refrained from commenting on the request, and it is unclear whether he will attend the trial, which is expected to last approximately a week. Judge Lewis A Kaplan has ruled that only damages will be decided in January, and a new jury will be chosen for the trial. Trump has previously denied the allegations against Carroll, which date back to 2019, and has hinted that he might attend the trial, but ultimately did not show up. The lawsuit has been delayed by years of appeals, but Trump’s lawyers claim that he may provide evidence at the trial, which could potentially shed new light on the case. The trial promises to be a dramatic and intense confrontation between two of the most prominent figures in American politics.
Donald Trump (Via Donald Trump/Twitter)
The trial is a significant development in the long-standing lawsuit, which has been plagued by years of delays and appeals. Carroll has been adamant that Trump’s denial of the allegations has caused her significant distress and has left her feeling silenced and discredited. Trump, on the other hand, has consistently maintained his innocence and has accused Carroll of making false accusations. The trial will ultimately hinges on the jury’s decision regarding the extent of damages that Trump’s alleged defamation has caused Carroll.
The high profile trial will likely receive widespread media attention, given the prominent figures involved. Trump’s deposition transcript is a key piece of evidence in the case, and the request to keep it out of the jury’s hands is a significant departure from typical depositional practices. The transcript could potentially reveal new information about the alleged incident and Trump’s state of mind at the time. Trump’s attendance at the trial is also uncertain, which could impact the proceedings and the overall outcome. Regardless, the trial promises to be a dramatic and intense confrontation that will have significant implications for both parties involved.
