Former president on trial for defamation in a civil lawsuit over rape allegations
In a landmark case, former U.S. President Donald Trump is being sued by E. Jean Carroll, a writer who accused him of raping her in a department store in Manhattan in 1996. The trial began on Tuesday with jury selection and opening statements.
Carroll’s lawsuit accuses Trump of defamation after he denied the rape allegations and insulted her appearance on his social media site, Truth Social, in October 2021. The trial will determine whether Trump defamed Carroll and, if so, the damages he must pay.
Trump’s attorneys argued that the case should be dismissed because he commented as a private citizen and not a president. However, the judge denied the request, and the case proceeded.
The trial is not a criminal case, and Trump will not face charges of rape. However, the verdict could have significant consequences, including a substantial financial penalty if he is found guilty of defamation.
The case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of a former president, and the outcome could set a precedent for future cases involving high-profile individuals accused of sexual assault. The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with testimony from both Carroll and Trump.