The judge presiding over the rape lawsuit against Donald Trump has criticized the former president for posting an “entirely inappropriate” statement about the trial on social media. The judge warned Trump’s lawyers that their client’s actions could create additional legal problems for him.
The trial revolves around allegations made by E. Jean Carroll, and Trump’s recent online comments were brought to the attention of Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. According to Trump, Carroll’s lawyer is a “political operative,” The case was a “made-up scam.” He also referred to a DNA issue that the judge ruled inadmissible.
Carroll’s lawyers informed Kaplan of Trump’s statement, and the judge expressed his displeasure, stating that the former president’s post was a public statement that seemed “entirely inappropriate.” Trump’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, acknowledged that jurors are instructed not to follow any news or online commentary about the case and promised to ask Trump to refrain from further posting.
Carroll, 79, may testify as early as Wednesday. She claims that Trump raped her in a department store dressing room in 1996, Trump, 76, denies the allegations, stating that he was not with Carroll and did not know who she was when she first publicly shared her story in 2019. Trump entered the trial while running for the Republican presidential nomination while pleading not guilty to unrelated criminal charges related to payments he made to silence a porn actor who she claimed to have engaged in sexual activity with him.
A lawsuit filed by Carroll seeks unspecified damages and the retraction of Trump’s allegedly defamatory comments, including publicly calling her allegations “a hoax,” “a scam,” “a lie,” and “a complete con job.” The suit has been filed under a New York law that temporarily allows civil court proceedings for decades-old sexual abuse claims. Carroll never pursued criminal charges against Trump.
The trial has garnered significant attention as it unfolds amidst Trump’s ongoing political ambitions and recent legal challenges. The case outcome could impact Trump’s public image and future political prospects. Meanwhile, the judge’s warning to Trump’s lawyers highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the trial process and preventing any potential interference from external comments or influence.
