E Jean Carroll Vs. Donald Trump: 6 Key Takeaways From The Defamation Trial

E Jean Carroll, a seasoned writer and journalist, clinched a resounding victory in her protracted legal battle against former United States President Donald Trump. On Friday, a New York jury delivered a momentous verdict, awarding Carroll a staggering $83.3 million in damages for defamation. This pivotal ruling follows her courageous allegations of sexual assault against Trump dating back to the mid-1990s.

This recent victory marks the second time Carroll has prevailed against Trump in court. In June 2023, a separate jury awarded her $5 million in a case related to assault and battery, stemming from the same incident detailed in her 2019 book, What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal, which was excerpted in New York magazine.

The Alleged Assault in a Manhattan Department Store

Carroll's book vividly narrates the harrowing incident where Trump purportedly attacked her in the dressing room of a luxury department store in Manhattan around early 1996. Despite her claims, Trump vehemently denied ever meeting Carroll, even in the face of photographic evidence showing them together. He dismissed her accusations as fabrications aimed at boosting book sales and supporting the Democratic Party. Carroll initially sued Trump for defamation in 2019. However, the case faced delays as Trump sought to invoke presidential immunity and move it to federal court. It wasn't until 2022, with the enactment of a new law in New York, that survivors of sexual abuse gained the ability to sue their perpetrators, irrespective of the statute of limitations.

Six Key Moments from the Defamation Trial

1. Ruined Reputation and Career

During the trial, Carroll testified that Trump's denials had a devastating impact on her reputation and career. She claimed that he portrayed her as a fraud and a traitor, leading to the loss of her column at Elle magazine, a plummet in book sales, and an onslaught of death threats and hate mail from Trump's supporters.

"I'm here because Donald Trump assaulted me, and when I wrote about it, he said it never happened," Carroll asserted on the stand. "He lied, and it shattered my reputation. I expected him to deny it, but to say it was consensual, when it was not. But that's what I expected him to say."

2. Fear for Life and Safety

Carroll expressed genuine fear for her life and safety after Trump's denials. She asserted that Trump, leveraging his power and influence, incited violence against her, urging his followers to dig up information on her and exact retribution. As a precaution, she acquired a pit bull to guard her property and a gun for self-defense.

3. Attempted Discrediting Through Tweets

In a bid to discredit Carroll, Trump's lawyer delved into her social media history. Carroll was questioned about tweets and posts related to sex and relationships. Trump's legal team highlighted a 2013 tweet where Carroll humorously pondered male anatomy. Despite attempts to connect this to her credibility, Carroll defended herself, emphasising her role as a humorist and feminist.

4. Carroll's Defense

Carroll staunchly defended herself, asserting that her tweets and posts were meant to be humorous and provocative, unrelated to her credibility or allegations against Trump. She proudly proclaimed her right to express herself, unashamed of her sexuality or her writing.

5. Trump's Outbursts in Court

Throughout Carroll's testimony, Trump exhibited outbursts, repeatedly interrupting her and resorting to name-calling. He labelled her a liar, a con artist, and a witch, characterizing the trial as a witch hunt and a con job. Trump, in his brief testimony, reiterated his earlier characterization of Carroll's claims as a "hoax" and labelled her as "mentally sick," accusing the judge and the jury of bias and corruption and vowing to appeal the verdict.

6. The Unprecedented Walkout

Just minutes into Kaplan's closing argument, Trump's sudden departure, accompanied by members of the Secret Service, caught everyone off guard. Judge Lewis A Kaplan had to intervene, noting, "The record will reflect that Mr Trump just rose and walked out of the courtroom." This unexpected exit occurred shortly after the judge had, without the presence of the jury, issued a stern warning to Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, threatening her with jail time for continuing to speak when instructed to stop.

The tension escalated, leading to the walkout following Kaplan's statement, "Donald Trump has tried to normalise conduct that is abnormal."

During his brief turn on the witness stand, lasting only three minutes, Trump voiced his desire to defend himself, his family, and the presidency.

“She said something that I considered to be a false accusation,” Trump said, later adding: “I just wanted to defend myself, my family and, frankly, the presidency.” 

 However, the judge instructed the jury to disregard these remarks.

Trump's Reaction

Following the jury's verdict, Trump denounced it as "absolutely ridiculous" and declared his intention to appeal. He expressed full disagreement with both verdicts, framing the legal proceedings as a "Biden Directed Witch Hunt" targeting him and the Republican Party.

"I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party," Trump asserted. "Our Legal System is out of control, and being used as a Political Weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA!"

Currently, Trump faces 91 felony counts in multiple criminal indictments, a narrative he leverages to galvanize his base for a potential White House comeback in the upcoming election.

Carroll's Response

E. Jean Carroll, in response to the verdict, expressed being "overjoyed" and "grateful" for the jury's decision. She expressed hope that this landmark ruling would inspire other survivors of sexual violence to speak out and seek justice.

E. Jean Carroll's triumph in the defamation trial against Donald Trump stands as a watershed moment in the legal battle between survivors of sexual abuse and powerful figures. The jury's decisive ruling sends a resounding message about accountability and the consequences of false statements. This victory not only vindicates Carroll but also contributes to the broader conversation surrounding justice for survivors and the accountability of those in positions of power.

Personal views expressed by the author are their own.