Carroll's attorney uses Trump's words against him during civil rape trial

Donald Trump is facing a Manhattan jury in a legal trial where he is accused of raping E. Jean Carroll 25 years ago and subsequently defaming her. In her closing argument, Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, argued for her client's credible and consistent testimony. Trump, however, did not appear at the trial. Kaplan played the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, in which Trump bragged about sexually assaulting women, to demonstrate his character.

Kaplan also highlighted that Trump defended his controversial comments in a deposition last year. She questioned the type of person who would use the word "fortunately" to describe sexual assault. According to Kaplan, Trump believes that stars like him can get away with such actions.

Carroll, 79, alleges that Trump raped her inside a Bergdorf Goodman changing room approximately 25 years ago and defamed her when she accused him of the crime decades later. The jury will begin deliberating after Judge Kaplan charges them on Tuesday.

Trump chose not to present a defense case or testify, despite telling reporters in Ireland that he was cutting his trip short to confront his accuser. The judge offered Trump a chance to reopen his case after learning of his comments. Trump's lawyers have attempted to discredit Carroll and her friends who testified, claiming they engaged in a conspiracy to destroy him politically.

In order to win this case, Kaplan asserts that Trump needs the jury to believe that not only Carroll, but all three women among the prosecution witnesses, perjured themselves in the courtroom. Kaplan argued that doing so would involve taking Trump's courtroom allegations seriously, while ignoring his admissions in the "Access Hollywood" tape.

Carroll's case is supported by Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, who also accused Trump of sexual assault. They each alleged that Trump grabbed them suddenly in semi-public places and disparaged them as not his "type" when they spoke out.

Trump's lawyer, Joe Tacopina, was expected to deliver his closing argument later on Monday. This trial is one of three cases Trump faces in his home state in addition to ongoing investigations in Washington, D.C., and Georgia. The New York attorney general's $250 million lawsuit against Trump and his family's real estate business is set for trial this fall, while the Manhattan district attorney's criminal case concerning Trump's hush money payment to Stormy Daniels is tentatively scheduled for early 2024. Trump denies all allegations of wrongdoing.