Donald Trump vows to confront 'infamous' E. Jean Carroll

Ms. Carroll arrives for her civil trial against Trump in Manhattan Federal Court on May 4, 2023 in New York City. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Donald Trump vowed to stand up to E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of rape, calling the case a «disgrace.»

79-year-old Carroll is suing the Republican leader in the 2024 US presidential election for defamation after he denied her allegation of rape in an October post on Truth Social.

Trump was not expected to testify in court.

< p>While currently in Ireland, the former president hinted at a change of heart when he said on Thursday that he was ready to return to New York to attend the trial.

“I must return for the woman who made a splash. false accusation against me, and I have a very hostile referee,” he said, playing at his golf course in Dunbeg, County Clare. woman. This woman is a disgrace and this cannot be allowed in our country.”

Ms. Carroll, a former Elle magazine columnist, spoke in New York on Wednesday and said Trump subjected her to an «extremely painful» attack in the dressing room of the city's Bergdorf Goodman department store.

Trump says he doesn't know his accuser and called her a «disgrace». Credit: ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images

If Mr. Trump did testify, he would probably do so on Monday after Ms. Carroll's witnesses appeared.

The 76-year-old former president insisted that Mr. -Ms. Carroll made up the story.

“I have no idea who she is; this is ridiculous. She filed a lawsuit, wrote a book, filed a lawsuit.”

Mr. Trump presented evidence in the form of recorded testimony, which was presented to the jury.”

” This is the most ridiculous, disgusting story. It's just a fabrication,” he said.

Mr. Trump insisted the case was an attempt by his opponents to undermine his campaign to reclaim the White House in next year's presidential election.

“ This is a political attack. It's the only way they think they can win the election, because they're losing.»

While this is a civil process, the political consequences for Trump would be disastrous.

If the lawsuit is upheld , he will be prosecuted for the first time for alleged sexual assault, despite more than two dozen women making similar accusations against him.