E. Jean Carroll’s attorneys used Trump’s decision as a crucial moment in the former president’s potential to lose a civil rape trial.
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MSNBC’s Lisa Rubin reports:
That image was the last thing plaintiffs’ attorneys showed jurors in their opening. They told the jury that they heard from Trump himself that he mistook that E. Jean Carroll picture for his wife — sorry, his second wife, Marla Maples, was his type. No question, that is extremely powerful evidence.
I also have to say that during that testimony, one of the things that I found powerful was when he was asked if he owned the “Hollywood Access” statement that you were allowed to work when you were a star, he was asked if it was true. ? Instead of going back, he says, historically, for a million years, that’s how it’s been. Fortunately, or unfortunately. Then she asked the harmful follow-up. Is it fair to say you are a star? He said it is fair to say so. Yes, when you’re a star they let you do it. I am a star.
Trump dismissed the idea that E. Jean Carroll was not his type by confusing her with Marla Maples, then claimed that being a star gave him the right to sexually assault and rape women.
Jurors heard Trump make these statements in his own words. That act of self-incrimination could easily lead to him losing his civil trial and a jury declaring E. Jean Carroll guilty.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a member of the White House Press Pool and Congressional Correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in political science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform activities.
Awards and professional memberships
Member of the Association of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association
