Final speeches made in Trump rape case in New York
Former US President Donald Trump is facing a lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll, accusing him of sexually assaulting her in 1996. During the seven-day hearing at Manhattan Federal Court, lawyers from both sides presented their final arguments to the nine-member jury. Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, argued that her client was “exactly his type of woman,” citing how Trump confused Carroll with his ex-wife Marla Maple in his statement before the trial. Kaplan criticized Trump’s failure to appear in court during the hearings, saying “Because he knows what he’s doing very well.” She stated that even former presidents should be accountable in court and that “No one, not even a former president, is above the law.”
On the other hand, Trump’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, argued that Carroll’s allegation was “fake.” Tacopina claimed that the plaintiff could not even provide a clear date for the alleged incident, making it difficult for Trump to defend himself. Trump’s lawyer pointed out that Carroll’s lawyer had the right to summon Trump to testify at the hearing with a subpoena, but did not use it.
During the hearing, the plaintiff party listened to 11 witnesses, including Carroll, while the Trump side did not call anyone to testify, and Trump used his right not to attend the hearing. The jurors are expected to begin internal deliberation starting tomorrow to decide whether Trump was responsible for the alleged attack and whether he slandered Carroll after the incident was raised in 2019.
The case has gained significant attention since Carroll publicly accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in 2019. Trump has denied these allegations, stating that Carroll was not his type. The verdict of the jury will determine the credibility of these claims and whether the former president is accountable under the law.
