What’s happening: A New York jury has mandated Donald Trump pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages for “defaming” her while denying allegations he sexually assaulted the writer. Carroll accused Trump of attacking her in the 1990s in a 2019 New Yorker article when Trump was still president; last year, a jury found he was liable.

Why it matters: This case mirrors similar cases against Trump around the country, in which the media and prosecutors have ignored practically all evidence that may help Trump while amplifying anything that could hurt him.

Problems galore: There is a litany of problems with Carroll’s latest case:

  • Timing: Carroll originally said the attack took place in 1994. But the dress she claimed to be wearing during the attack did not exist in 1994. She then later changed the date to a Thursday in 1996 but admits to still being uncertain.

  • Evidence: The only witnesses are two of Carroll’s friends, who claim that they were told about the incident within days of it happening.

  • Funding: Although Carroll testified no one was funding her, the lawsuit was paid for by a nonprofit backed by billionaire Reid Hoffman, a major Democrat donor who also donated to Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign.

  • Conflicts of interest: Carroll’s attorney had previously worked with the presiding judge, and neither revealed that information until after the trial, mirroring another alleged conflict of interest in Georgia’s case against Trump.

What’s next: Trump has vowed to appeal the verdict. Ultimately, the case could go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Reply

or to participate