Trump's refusal to attend E. Jean Carroll trial will blow up in his face: legal analyst

Donald Trump's decision to stay away from the E. Jean Carroll trial this week where a jury will decide if he sexually assaulted her in a department store between the fall of 1995 and spring of 1996 could be a major tactical error according to one former prosecutor.

Appearing on MSNBC's "The Katie Phang Show," former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade explained that a Trump no-show would not play well with New York City jurors who are already not pre-disposed to like him.

As the two noted, Trump through his lawyers has begged off from appearing, claiming he didn't want to cause problems by returning to New York City.

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"If I were a lawyer for Donald Trump, God forbid, I would certainly advise him to be there," McQuade offered. "I think it's a bad look for a jury who is wondering what - where is he? Is there something more important than being here?"

"It is certainly at his peril to not show up," she added. "But I suppose politically he can say this isn't worth my time, this is frivolous, this is an insignificant matter and I'm focused on more important things as I campaign for the presidency. I suppose that's part of it."

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MSNBC 04 23 2023 08 15 04youtu.be