PatriotNews , 2023-04-25 18:15:35
Trump Faces New Test: Rape Allegations In A Jury Trial
Former President Donald Trump is now facing a unique test of his “Teflon Don” reputation, as he is set to stand trial in a civil court for a rape allegation that dates back nearly three decades. The trial could have major political ramifications for the Republican, as a jury is set to hear a range of stories of sexual misconduct that were a cause of controversy in his 2016 presidential campaign.
Allegations of Rape
Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room in the late 1990s. Trump has emphatically denied ever knowing Carroll and has called her a “nut job” and “mentally sick.” Carroll is expected to appear in court and testify, alongside two other women who have accused Trump of sexual assault.
Potential Damage to Trump’s Campaign
The timing of the trial could not be worse for Trump, as it comes in the midst of his second presidential campaign. While Trump isn’t in danger of going to jail, the jury will hear a full retelling of the stories of sexual misconduct that have been associated with him. The infamous “Access Hollywood” video which featured Trump making misogynistic remarks about women will also be shown to the jury.
Trump Could Testify
Though Trump is not required to be present for the trial, there is still the potential for him to show up and testify. However, if Trump does not take to the stand, the jury may watch excerpts from his sworn deposition. In response to Trump’s lawyers requesting that jurors be informed of the disruption his presence might create, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan argued that if the Secret Service can protect him at a campaign event in New Hampshire, then assuredly they can do so at the federal courthouse in New York City.
Judge’s Instructions
On Monday, Judge Kaplan instructed lawyers of both sides not to mention who is paying the legal fees during jury selection on Tuesday. This instruction was issued after Trump’s lawyers revealed that Carroll’s legal team had received funding from American Future Republic, an organization backed by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman.
Donald Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the rape allegations are only being used to boost sales of Carroll’s memoir. The fate of Trump’s reputation, and potentially his campaign, now rests in the hands of the jury, who will have to hear the full stories of the sexual misconduct allegations that have been associated with Trump for years.
