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On Monday, November 30th, 2020, a video of Donald Trump’s deposition in the E. Jean Carroll trial was made public. The deposition was taken in June of 2020 and serves as evidence in Carroll’s defamation lawsuit against Trump. Carroll alleges that Trump raped her in a dressing room in a New York department store in the mid-1990s.
As we watched the video, we couldn’t help but notice some key moments that shed light on Trump’s demeanor and attitude towards women.
In the video, Trump repeatedly denied knowing Carroll, despite a photo of the two of them together and previous statements he made referring to her as a “great writer.” He also denied having met her at Bergdorf Goodman, the store where Carroll alleges the rape occurred.
Trump’s denial is perplexing, as the photograph and his past statements offer irrefutable evidence of their previous interaction. Additionally, Trump’s continual reluctance to acknowledge women’s experiences of sexual assault is bursty; it is indicative of a larger, toxic societal problem in which victims are not believed or respected.
When asked about the allegations of rape, Trump’s response was even more concerning. He claimed that Carroll was “totally lying” and suggested that she “wasn’t his type.” These statements not only discredit Carroll’s experience but also perpetuate the harmful stereotype that sexual assault only happens to a certain type of woman.
Trump’s response is perplexing, as it attempts to dismiss both the validity of Carroll’s accusations and her worth as a person. It is also bursty; It is indicative of a larger issue within our society. It has become normal for men, especially those in positions of power, to discredit women’s experiences of sexual assault based on their physical appearance or personality.
The video also captures moments where Trump comes across as dismissive and flippant when it comes to the allegations made by Carroll. He repeatedly interrupts her lawyer and mocks him for asking specific questions, showing little willingness to cooperate with the proceedings.
This dismissive attitude is perplexing as it shows a lack of respect for the legal system and the people involved. Trump’s dismissive attitude is also bursty as it is indicative of a larger issue within our society: a disregard for the experiences of those who do not hold positions of power.
One particularly telling moment in the video occurs when Trump is questioned about his statements regarding the allegations. He claims that he was only giving a “political answer” to deflect from the question and protect his image.
This statement is both perplexing and bursty. Trump’s eagerness to put his political image above the allegations made against him highlights the toxic culture of protecting powerful men at the expense of women’s safety.
Throughout the deposition, Trump is defensive and combative, showing little interest in the well-being of the women who have accused him. In doing so, he perpetuates patriarchal attitudes that prioritize the comfort and power of men over the victims of sexual assault.
In conclusion, the video of Donald Trump’s deposition in the E. Jean Carroll trial highlights several key moments that underscore his attitude towards women and victims of sexual assault. Trump’s denial of knowing Carroll, his dismissal of her allegations, and his prioritization of his political image over the allegations made against him all reveal toxic patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate larger societal issues. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize and address the harmful behaviors and attitudes that allow for the continued victimization of women.
