Trump in Court: Normal People Don’t Act This Way
Scene from the courtroom (this actually happened Wednesday during the E. Jean Carroll trial):
DONALD TRUMP: [Muttering loudly during the testimony of rape-victim E. Jean Carroll “con job”… “witch-hunt.”]
ATTORNEY: [Objects that the jury can hear Trump’s outbursts.]
JUDGE KAPLAN: Mr. Trump has the right to be present here. That right can be forfeited, and it can be forfeited if he is disruptive.
[Turns to Trump] Mr. Trump, I hope I don’t have to consider excluding you from the trial. I understand you are probably very eager for me to do that.
TRUMP: [Throws up hands] I would love it. I would love it.
JUDGE KAPLAN: I know you would. I know you would. You just can’t control yourself in this circumstance, apparently.
TRUMP: You can’t either.
If you or I acted this way in court, we would most assuredly be admonished and held in contempt. This man, as a former President of the United States, should know better. But, of course, we’re talking about Trump who thinks he’s above the law. “The law is for thee, not for me.”
Contempt of court: In law, the word contempt most simply refers to speech or behavior that does not show proper respect to a judge, court, or legislative body. One who is officially regarded as having engaged in such speech or behavior is (commonly, “found” or “held”) “in contempt.” –Merriam-Webster
“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the man the GOP is about to nominate once again for the Presidency of the United States.” –Charlie Sykes, The Bulwark
