ATLANTA, GEORGIA – Former President Donald Trump’s request to delay the start of his civil trial against E Jean Carroll has been denied by Judge Lewis A Kaplan. Trump had sought a one-week postponement, stating that he needed to console his wife Melania following the death of her mother, Amalija Knavs. The trial is set to begin on January 16, 2024 as scheduled.
In a court order issued on Friday, Judge Kaplan extended his condolences to the Trump family and the rest of Knavs’ family. The order stated that the trial would proceed as planned and that Trump was free to attend both the trial and the funeral, or parts of both, as he wishes.
The application for the postponement came at a critical time for Trump, as he prepares for presidential campaigning in Iowa ahead of the state Caucus. In a video released to supporters, he assured them that he wouldn’t miss the campaign despite extreme weather conditions.
The civil trial against Trump is a result of accusations made by journalist E Jean Carroll, who claims he defamed her in 2019 after she accused him of rape. The trial will determine the financial damages Trump owes Carroll. It is related to another defamation case in which a jury found the former president liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages.
Carroll’s attorneys had expressed concerns that Trump’s involvement in the trial would lead to chaos. They argued that Trump’s recent statements and behavior suggest a desire to sow discord. However, Judge Kaplan’s order ensures that the trial will proceed as planned, regardless of Trump’s presence.
In conclusion, former President Donald Trump’s request to delay his civil trial has been denied by Judge Lewis A Kaplan. The trial, set to begin on January 16, 2024, will proceed as planned. This trial is an important part of journalist E Jean Carroll’s defamation case against Trump, in which she seeks financial damages for his alleged defamation and sexual abuse.