Judge Lewis Kaplan on Wednesday threatened to remove former President Donald Trump from a New York courtroom if he continues to “obstruct” during the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial, according to CNN.
Carroll's attorney, Sean Crowley, told Kaplan that during his testimony, Trump could be heard telling the court, “This is a witch hunt,” and “This is really the work of a con man.” according to On CNN. Mr. Kaplan told Mr. Crowley that Mr. Trump had a “right” to attend the trial, but if he continued to obstruct him, he would remove him from office. (Related: Judge denies Trump campaign from mentioning E. Jean Carroll rape lawsuit in future defamation case)
“Mr. Trump has a right to be here,” Kaplan said before sending comments to Trump. “That right can be taken away and if he is disruptive it can be taken away and that is what was reported to me. And if he ignores the court order If so, Mr. Trump, I hope we don't have to consider removing you from the trial.”
Trump raised his hand at the judge's comments, and Kaplan responded, “I understand that you probably want me to do that,” according to CNN.
Trump reportedly replied, “I would love to do that.”
BREAKING: Judge tells President Trump: “I don't think I need to consider removing you from the trial.'' @lawofruby there is the latest one pic.twitter.com/HGMjh3cLni
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 17, 2024
“I know you will,” Kaplan said before the court adjourned for lunch, according to CNN. “It seems like you can't control yourself in this situation.”
Earlier this month, Mr. Kaplan denied that Mr. Trump's lawyers would present arguments related to Mr. Carroll's rape allegations in the defamation trial, saying the outcome of the previous trial was that “the injury she suffered as a result of the defamatory statements. It has nothing to do with it.”
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