January 15th 2024.
Former President Donald Trump recently requested a delay for his defamation trial against columnist E Jean Carroll, which was denied by a judge. Trump's reasoning for the delay was due to the funeral of his wife Melania's mother, Amalija Knavs. His lawyers argued that attending the trial would conflict with the funeral, and requested a minor accommodation during this difficult time.
However, US District Judge Lewis Kaplan declined the request, stating that the trial had been scheduled seven months prior and postponing it could cause logistical issues. The judge did note that Trump was free to attend the funeral, the trial, or both. Despite this decision, Trump still plans to attend the trial, which is set to start on Tuesday.
The former president has been facing a defamation lawsuit from Carroll, who claims he sexually assaulted her in the mid-1990s. The jury has already found Trump liable for defamation and he faces up to $10 million in damages. In light of this, Trump has been vocal about his criticism of Judge Kaplan, calling him "terrible, biased, and irrationally angry" on his social media platform.
During a campaign rally in Indianola, Iowa, on Sunday, Trump also took the opportunity to attack the judge. He expressed his disappointment in not being able to attend his mother-in-law's funeral and called the trial a sham. He also mentioned that his wife Melania was devastated by her mother's passing and that the judge's decision was heartless and inhumane.
Despite the trial proceedings, Trump has also scheduled a campaign rally on Wednesday night in New Hampshire, according to his website. This is not the first time he has requested a delay in a legal proceeding due to Knavs' death, but it has also been denied before. Last Thursday, Trump asked for a postponement in his $370 million civil fraud trial, but the request was denied by Judge Arthur Engoron.
In the midst of all this, Melania announced her mother's death and paid tribute to her on social media. Trump has been vocal about his disappointment in not being able to attend the funeral and has criticized the judge for his decision. However, he still plans to attend the trial, which will continue as scheduled on Tuesday.
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