According to Motherjones, on February 6th, 2022, during a CNN town hall with former President Donald Trump, journalist Kaitlan Collins mentioned the federal jury verdict that found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. In response, the audience, comprised of Republican-leaning New Hampshire voters, laughed.
Trump denied ever meeting Carroll or engaging in any inappropriate behavior with her, despite the jury’s unanimous decision. He also insulted Carroll, calling her a “wack-job,” to the delight of the audience.
I never met this woman. I never saw this woman,” Trump said, before launching into a mocking retelling of Carroll’s allegations about what Trump did to her in a New York department store. “What kind of a woman meets somebody and brings them up and within minutes you’re playing hanky-panky in a dressing room?”
In response to the verdict, Carroll took to her Substack to express her triumph, declaring, “WE WON.” She had successfully proven in court that Trump had sexually abused her and damaged her reputation.
However, the power of Trump’s words and the platform provided by CNN allowed him to once again dominate the narrative, making light of Carroll’s allegations and insulting her in front of a national audience. Carroll will receive $5 million in damages, but the cost of being the target of Trump’s jokes is immeasurable.
Later in the town hall, Trump deflected questions about abortion, equating reproductive rights with a business decision and calling Collins a “nasty person.” His disrespect for women was palpable and alarming, and the audience’s approval of his behavior was equally concerning. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of holding powerful men accountable for their actions and words, and the urgent need for greater respect and equality for women in all spheres of society.
Trump swears on his children that he didn't assault E Jean Carroll pic.twitter.com/YyHDBSy2LZ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 11, 2023
