Donald Trump faced a CNN town hall on Wednesday night, his first television appearance since being found liable for sexual abuse and defamation by a federal jury in New York City on Tuesday. The event was moderated by Kaitlan Collins and saw Trump take questions from Republican and undeclared voters in New Hampshire. Attendees pressed Trump on how he intends to run for president as he faces legal threats in multiple states. On Tuesday, a New York jury concluded that Trump had sexually abused advice columnist E Jean Carroll 27 years earlier, ordering the former president to pay her $5m in damages for her battery and defamation claims.
During the town hall, Trump repeated false claims about the 2020 election and further attacked E Jean Carroll, who a jury determined yesterday he is liable for sexually abusing. He also defended his policy of separating families at the US southern border, claiming it has a deterrent effect, despite evidence to the contrary. Trump also suggested abortion rights groups want doctors to be able to « execute » babies, a false and inflammatory claim. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, an influential progressive Democrat in the House of Representatives, criticized CNN for allowing the event to happen.
Trump also said he would pardon « many » of those convicted for crimes related to the January 6 insurrection, despite there being no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. He demurred when asked whether he would support a national abortion ban, a major issue for Republican voters.
Overall, the town hall saw Trump repeat many of his usual talking points and conspiracy theories, while avoiding direct answers to many questions. It remains to be seen how his legal troubles will affect his potential run for president in 2024.
Keywords: Donald Trump, CNN town hall, sexual abuse, defamation, E Jean Carroll, New Hampshire, legal threats, 2020 election, family separation, abortion, January 6 insurrection, pardon.