Washington, D.C. – Former Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott found himself in an uncomfortable position when pressed by ABC news reporter Martha Raddatz regarding former President Donald Trump’s recent legal troubles. Raddatz questioned whether Trump being found liable for sexual abuse and being ordered to pay author E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million bothered Scott or his supporters.
Scott appeared surprised and unprepared for the question, responding, “Myself and all the voters that support Donald Trump support a return to normalcy as it relates to what affects their kitchen table. The average person in our country isn’t talking about lawsuits.”
He went on to suggest that the perception of the legal system being weaponized against Trump might actually be increasing his popularity. However, Raddatz pressed Scott, reminding him that these were jury trials that took place while Trump was president.
Struggling to find the right words, Scott deflected the question by bringing up Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden. He argued that Democrats don’t pause when considering the challenges brought by Hunter Biden and that the electorate is primarily concerned with how the next president will impact their quality of life and America’s standing in the world.
Eventually, Scott settled on a message, claiming that people were better off under Trump and are now seeking four more years of low inflation, low crime, low unemployment, and a high level of enthusiasm for the country.
On Friday, a New York City jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $83.3 million for defamation. This marks the second defamation lawsuit that Trump has lost to Carroll, with a previous ruling in 2023 ordering him to pay $5 million.
The allegations against Trump stem from Carroll accusing him of sexual assault in 2019. Trump has repeatedly denied the claims, and Carroll sued for defamation, alleging that his denial had a damaging effect on her reputation.
Initially, the lawsuit was blocked by Attorney General Bill Barr, but the Biden administration reversed that decision in 2023.
Scott’s response to the question highlights the ongoing political divide in the country, with supporters of Trump emphasizing his economic record and promises of a return to stability, while opponents are focused on holding him accountable for his alleged misconduct.
The impact of these legal battles on Trump’s political future and the broader conversation around sexual assault and defamation remain subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.