Donald Trump was told to "keep quiet" after he reportedly called a defamation trial a "witch hunt."
The former US President returned to the federal courthouse earlier today in New York for the second day of the trial in the defamation case brought by author E. Jean Carroll.
Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store in the 1990s.
Judge Lewis Kaplan has already found that Trump's comments in 2019 calling her a liar and denying her account were defamatory, and the current trial is focused solely on what damages Carroll should receive.
E. Jean Carroll testifies as former US President Donald Trump watches, during the second civil trial
Reuters
Carroll was awarded $5 million last year in a separate defamation case over other Trump comments, in which he was found liable for sexual abuse.
During a break in Carroll's testimony on the witness stand, her attorney Shawn Crowley complained to the judge that Trump was making audible comments that the jury could hear.
Later on, Crowley said Trump continued to comment on Carroll's testimony despite Judge Kaplan's warnings to remain quiet.
She said she heard Trump remark: "It is a witch hunt and it really is a con job."
The judge said: "Mr. Trump has a right to be present here. That right can be forfeited if he is disruptive and if he disregards court orders."
After warning Trump that he could be barred from attending, he replied, "I would love it."
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E. Jean Carroll enters Manhattan Federal Court
Reuters
When Judge Kaplan told Trump "you just can't control yourself", he responded "you can't either."
Trump does not have to be in attendance at the trial - his appearances for the civil court case are entirely voluntary.
He attended the opening day of proceedings hours after his victory in the Iowa caucuses and left early to fly to New Hampshire for a campaign rally before returning to New York.
The New Hampshire is set to hold its primary next week.
Trump does not have to be in attendance at the trial - his appearances for the civil court case are entirely voluntary
Reuters
The former President and Republican frontrunner faces dozens of federal and state charges related to attempts to undermine the 2020 election.
This is on top of a federal prosecution for mishandling classified documents.
He has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges, contending that the cases are politically motivated.
The Justice Department says it acts without political bias.
