In the midst of Donald Trump's legal challenges, an attorney in an upcoming defamation case involving E Jean Carroll is urging a judge to prevent the former president from causing disruptions during the imminent legal proceedings. Simultaneously, Trump has been ordered to pay nearly $400,000 in legal fees to the New York Times in a separate matter.
Carroll's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, expressed concerns about Trump potentially sowing chaos during the trial where a new jury will consider additional damages. The columnist previously won a $5 million jury award against Trump for sexual abuse. Kaplan emphasized the need for strong measures to avoid any disruption or intentional efforts to turn the trial into a circus.
In a separate development, New York Supreme Court Justice Robert Reed ordered Trump to pay $392,638 in legal fees to the New York Times after a failed lawsuit against the newspaper regarding its reporting on his tax records. Trump's lawsuit, which also involved his niece Mary Trump and three Times reporters, was dismissed in 2021.
The decision to pay legal fees is likely to be a blow to Trump, who has frequently criticized the media and the New York Times specifically. This financial setback comes as Trump faces mounting legal challenges and potential consequences in various legal battles.
In the Carroll case, Kaplan urged the judge to require Trump to affirm under oath in open court, without jurors present, that he understands he sexually assaulted Carroll, spoke falsely with actual malice, and lied when he accused her of fabricating her account and impugning her motives.
The upcoming trial will focus on whether Carroll is entitled to additional damages for statements Trump made about her claims while he was president in 2019 and the day after the previous verdict. Carroll, 80, testified last year about the emotional and professional toll she endured due to Trump's actions.
Kaplan cited Trump's recent behavior in a state court proceeding where he ignored a judge's directives, providing a potential preview of what may transpire during the upcoming trial. The legal challenges continue to pose significant obstacles for Trump as he navigates multiple court battles.