Former President Donald Trump has received a warning from Judge Lewis Kaplan during a federal court hearing in New York. The judge cautioned Trump that he could face removal from the courtroom if he persists in making loud comments on the testimony provided by columnist E. Jean Carroll. The reprimand follows the judge’s previous instructions to Trump’s legal team to ensure their client “keeps his voice down” while Carroll testifies in the second civil defamation lawsuit filed by her. Trump, present in the courtroom on Wednesday, was heard commenting on Carroll’s answers.
In response to a complaint by Carroll’s lawyer, Shawn Crowley, about Trump making false and loud remarks during the testimony, Judge Kaplan directed Trump’s lawyers, Alina Habba and Michael Madaio, to ensure he keeps his voice down during consultations. The judge emphasized Trump’s right to be present in the courtroom but warned that such a right could be forfeited if he becomes disruptive or disregards court orders.
During Carroll’s testimony recounting her allegation that Trump had raped her in 1996, Trump was heard interjecting with denials. Carroll expressed her purpose for being in court, stating, “I’m here because Donald Trump assaulted me, and when I wrote about it, he said it never happened. He lied and shattered my reputation.”
The ongoing trial is the second defamation case brought by Carroll against Trump, relating to a statement he made in 2019, as president, alleging that Carroll fabricated the story to “sell a new book.” In a previous trial in May, a jury found Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. The current trial seeks an additional $10 million in compensatory damages, along with punitive damages.
Judge Kaplan has demonstrated little tolerance for Trump’s courtroom behavior and efforts to dismiss or delay the trial. The proceedings are expected to conclude early next week, potentially resulting in significant financial consequences for Trump.
