Trump's Legal Team Seeks Postponement of E Jean Carroll Defamation Trial

A request has been made by former President Donald Trump's legal team to delay the upcoming defamation trial brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. Carroll has accused Trump of sexual abuse in the 1990s, a claim he denies. The trial, scheduled to commence on January 16, has prompted Trump's attorneys to file a 29-page document with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, seeking a postponement of up to 90 days. The legal team cites the necessity for additional time to consider potential legal actions, including a possible appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the claim of presidential immunity. Carroll filed the lawsuit against Trump in 2019 based on comments he made during his presidency, where he denied her allegations. In a separate case, a federal jury found Trump liable for defamation and awarded Carroll $5 million. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled in September that Trump defamed Carroll, with the upcoming trial intended to determine the damages owed to her. Furthermore, Trump's legal team mentioned the ongoing criminal case in Washington, where special counsel Jack Smith has sought the Supreme Court's consideration of presidential immunity concerning Trump's charges related to the 2020 election. They argue that the outcome of this matter could also impact the civil case, supporting their plea for a delay. Carroll's lawyer declined to provide a statement, while Trump continues to deny the allegations and insists that these legal actions are politically motivated.