Judge threatens to throw Trump out of his defamation trial in New York for not keeping quiet | International

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Former President Donald Trump’s defamation trial is underway in New York this week, amidst a heated exchange with the presiding judge and the plaintiff, E. Jean Carroll. Carroll, a journalist and author, accused Trump of sexual abuse, prompting a lawsuit against the former president. Although a jury had previously found Trump guilty of the abuse and ordered him to pay five million dollars, the current trial is centered on whether Trump defamed Carroll after she reported the assault.

During the trial, Trump continually interrupted Carroll’s testimony, prompting the judge to make threats of expulsion from the courtroom if he did not desist. Carroll, an 80-year-old writer, indicated that Trump’s comments had severely damaged her reputation. However, the trial was fraught with disruptions as Trump made comments audible to those present in the courtroom, including statements such as “it’s a witch hunt” and “it really is a scam.”

Judge Lewis A. Kaplan expressed frustration with Trump’s behavior, warning him that he would be excluded from the trial if he continued to interrupt the proceedings. Despite the warnings, Trump continued to make remarks, leading Carroll’s attorney to address the interruptions with the court.

The trial comes after Carroll filed a lawsuit against Trump, taking advantage of a new state law that allowed victims of sexual violence to sue civilly for attacks that occurred decades ago. Amid the legal battle, Carroll emphasized the toll that Trump’s vitriol has taken on her, including receiving death threats that forced her to take extensive security measures. Carroll also pointed out that she could not afford full-time security, further complicating her situation.

The contentious trial further highlights the ongoing legal battles involving former President Trump, as he faces multiple lawsuits and allegations. The outcome of the current defamation trial will likely have significant implications for both Trump and Carroll. The trial sessions are open to the press and the public, but are not broadcast on the internet or television, adding to the intensity of the proceedings.