Former President Donald Trump is set to return Thursday to a Manhattan courtroom, where he may testify against columnist E. Jean Carroll’s claims he raped her in a New York department store and later defamed her.
Mr. Trump, posting on Truth Social, said he planned to return to the Big Apple as the civil trial resumed. It was abruptly put on hold Monday because of illnesses among trial participants.
“I’m heading back to New York City for a trial based on False Accusations, from perhaps decades ago — The woman has no idea when!” Mr. Trump said.
Ms. Carroll’s side is expected to finish its case on Thursday, clearing the way for Mr. Trump to take the stand if he chooses. The former president would be testifying days after massive victories in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, putting him on course to win the Republican nomination for president.
Nine jurors are considering whether Ms. Carroll is entitled to new damages because of comments Mr. Trump made as president in 2019.
A previous jury awarded her $5 million after finding Mr. Trump liable for sex abuse and defamation claims related to her claims and the former president’s comments from 2022.
Judge Lewis A. Kaplan said the liability finding from the first trial would carry over to the second trial, so jurors need only determine how much Mr. Trump must pay.
Given those parameters, Judge Kaplan will try to restrict what Mr. Trump can say on the witness stand.
“The Federal Judge in this Second Biden Political Opponent ‘Trial’ is extraordinarily hostile to me — Sadly, and I don’t know why, a 100% Trump Hater. He knows I did nothing wrong, but is looking to do a number on me. Only in America!” Mr. Trump posted on social media.
“Another HOAX, just like Russia, Russia, Russia. These people are ‘SICK,’” he wrote. “ Hopefully Judge Kaplan will see the light and do what is just and proper for America!”
While campaigning for president, Mr. Trump awaits a separate civil trial judgment in New York. State Attorney General Letitia James says the Trump Organization submitted false financial statements for years to gain favorable terms on loans and insurance.
Mr. Trump also faces four criminal trials this year related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, his decision to store classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and allegations he made hush payments to an adult film star and others before the 2016 election.
The former president denies all the allegations and says charges were whipped up by Democrats to thwart his political ambitions.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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