New York City – Former President Donald Trump has requested a postponement of his defamation trial brought by E. Jean Carroll, a former Elle columnist, due to the funeral of his mother-in-law. The trial, scheduled to begin on January 16, will determine the amount of damages Trump owes in relation to Carroll’s accusation of sexual assault and defamation. In a previous civil trial, Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. Trump had denied the allegations, stating that Carroll was “not my type.”
Trump’s lawyers made the request to Judge Lewis Kaplan, who is overseeing the trial, citing the recent death of Trump’s mother-in-law Amalija Knavs and his desire to attend the funeral. However, Kaplan denied the request and stated that the trial will continue as scheduled, offering condolences to the Trump family.
Trump expressed his disagreement with Kaplan’s decision on his Truth Social account, calling the judge biased and irrational. In response, Carroll’s lawyers pointed out that Trump had a campaign event scheduled in New Hampshire on the same day as the funeral. They noted that no mention of this potential conflict was made in connection with Trump’s presidential campaign.
Critics have taken to social media to voice their opinions on Trump’s request. MSNBC News legal analyst Lisa Rubin criticized Trump for requesting a postponement and then announcing a campaign event shortly after. Conservative lawyer George Conway called out Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, for signing the letter requesting a postponement with little shame. Other social media users criticized Trump’s alleged lack of care for the death of a loved one.
It remains unclear if Trump still plans to attend the rally in New Hampshire. The trial will proceed as scheduled, with the court considering the amount of damages Trump must pay in relation to Carroll’s defamation claims.
In summary, former President Donald Trump has requested a postponement of his defamation trial due to his mother-in-law’s funeral. The trial, brought by E. Jean Carroll, will determine the damages Trump owes in relation to her accusations of sexual assault and defamation. The court has denied Trump’s request and the trial will proceed as scheduled.