Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist David Cay Johnston has offered some insight into Donald Trump’s recent attacks on his accuser, E. Jean Carroll. Johnston suggests that Trump’s increasingly aggressive stance is not simply denial, but a calculated attempt to rile up his base and deflect from potential legal consequences.
Hoping for a Big Verdict:
Johnston appeared on MSNBC’s “The ReidOut” on Thursday, where he discussed Trump’s motivations. He believes that Trump is “hoping the jury awards far more than $10 million because then he can go out and say, ‘See, it’s further evidence the system is against you,'” Johnston told host Joy Reid.
Playing the Victim:
This strategy, according to Johnston, would allow Trump to portray himself as the victim of a biased justice system. “He will be able to complain that ‘it’s a New York jury, which of course is code for, they’re not Christian, and they’re not white,'” Johnston explained.
Limited Appeal:
While this tactic might resonate with Trump’s core supporters, Johnston doubts it will help him attract new voters. “And that will appeal to his base, but it won’t broaden his support, which is what he needs,” Johnston said.
A Long Legal Road:
Carroll is currently suing Trump for $10 million in damages for defamatory comments he made about her after she accused him of sexual assault in the 1990s. Last year, a jury found Trump liable for the assault and defamation, and he was ordered to pay $5 million in damages.
Facing the Music:
Johnston believes that despite his defiant public persona, Trump is privately concerned about the case. “He doesn’t expect to ever pay this, just as he doesn’t believe he’ll ever go to jail,” Johnston said. “But it doesn’t mean that in his jumbled mind, he’s also not terrified,” Johnston added. “He is. But I think his goal here is get an enormous award from this jury so that he can use it to stir up his base.”
Uncertain Outcome:
Whether Trump’s strategy will be successful remains to be seen. The Carroll case is still ongoing, and the final verdict could have a significant impact on both Trump’s legal troubles and his political future.
Key Takeaways:
- David Cay Johnston believes that Donald Trump’s attacks on E. Jean Carroll are a calculated attempt to deflect from potential legal consequences.
- Trump may be hoping for a large jury award that he can use to portray himself as the victim of a biased justice system.
- This strategy is unlikely to broaden Trump’s appeal beyond his core base of supporters.
- The outcome of the Carroll case could have a significant impact on Trump’s legal and political future.
It is important to note that these are just Johnston’s opinions, and the true motivations behind Trump’s actions remain unclear. The Carroll case is still ongoing, and it is possible that new information will come to light that could shed further light on Trump’s behavior.