Alina Habba again threatened with 'consequences' as she launches closing arguments
January 26, 2024
Donald Trump's lawyer was threatened with penalties shortly after starting her closing arguments in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial Friday.
Defense lawyer Alina Habba told jurors the former president had a right to publicly deny sexual assault allegations by the author and columnist — claims that have already been proven by a court that found Trump liable for sexual abuse.
Judge Lewis Kaplan threatened her with sanctions after she denied them herself.
"Imagine a world when someone accuses you and you can't speak," Habba said, according the Inner City Press. "[Plaintiff attorney Roberta Kaplan] said Ms. Carroll defended herself, she said that just now, a right to defend. What's good for thee? She's right, he has not wavered, because it is the truth."
Carroll's attorney objected, and the judge sustained it.
"That has been proved false, as I will instruct the jury," Kaplan said.
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Habba then suggested that Trump's political enemies were "bankrollers" in Carroll's defamation suit, and Kaplan sustained another objection and warned the former president's attorney.
"If you violate my instructions again, Ms. Habba, there may be consequences," Kaplan said.
Earlier in the day, Habba was warned she may spend time in the 'lock-up" after arguing with the judge.