Judge Lewis Kaplan sternly rebuked Donald Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, during the second day of proceedings in E. Jean Carroll’s defamation lawsuit against the former president. In the courtroom, tensions escalated as Habba repeatedly sought to delay the trial, prompting Judge Kaplan to issue strong denials and assert control over the proceedings.
The trial revolves around determining the damages Trump will have to pay Carroll, who had already found him liable for sexual abuse. The confrontation between Judge Kaplan and Habba started when she requested an adjournment, citing Trump’s need to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral. Judge Kaplan promptly reminded her that the request had been previously denied, and he firmly stated, “the argument is over.”
Undeterred, on the following day, Habba once again pushed for a trial delay, prompting a clear and unyielding response from Judge Kaplan. Politico’s Erica Orden, reporting from the courtroom, detailed Kaplan’s uncompromising stance: “The application is denied. I will hear no further argument on it.” When Habba attempted to dispute this decision, Kaplan firmly enforced the denial, declaring, “None. Do you understand that word? Sit down!”
As the tension persisted, Habba expressed her discontent with the judge’s tone, stating, “I don’t like to be spoken to that way, your honor.” Despite her objections, Kaplan maintained control and repeatedly denied further delay requests, emphasizing, “It’s denied. Sit down!”
The trial’s central focus is on assessing the extent of reputational damage caused by Trump’s defamatory statements against Carroll. Her testimony will play a crucial role in determining the financial consequences for Trump in this high-profile legal battle. The courtroom dynamics reflect the heightened emotions and contentious nature of the proceedings as both sides navigate the complexities of this case.
Habba: "I don't like to be spoken to that way, your honor." She continued to ask for an adjournment, at which point Kaplan cut her off again:
"It’s denied. Sit down."
— erica orden (@eorden) January 17, 2024
