Michigan
Trump Lashes Out About Legal Woes In Michigan Speech—Blasts ‘Crooked Judge,’ Swipes Again At Carroll
Topline
Former President Trump raged against Judge Arthur Engoron, Fani Willis and others in a speech in Michigan on Saturday, a day after Engoron ruled that Trump owes more than $350 million in a civil fraud caseâwhich Trump has repeatedly called a âtotal sham.â
The former president referred to the civil fraud case against him âa complete and total sham.â
Key Facts
Trumpâs attacks on Engoron were similar to Truth Social posts he made about Fridayâs verdict and he also mocked Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney prosecuting him and 18 others for efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.
But then Trump attacked E. Jean Carrollâwho he already owes more than $80 million from a defamation lawsuitâsaying âIâm saying âwho the hell is she, whoâs the womanâââsparking fresh speculation Carroll will again sue Trump for defamation.
Tangent
In a Jan. 29 interview with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, Carroll said she would sue Trump if he defamed her again. Roberta Kaplan, one of Carrollâs attorneys, also said in a Good Morning America interview that âall options were on the tableâ in the face of future defamatory statements.
Crucial Quotes
âThese repulsive abuses of power are not just an attack on me,â Trump said. âTheyâre really an attack on you and all Americans.â
Big Number
More than $440 million. Thatâs how much Trump owes in legal feesâfrom more than $350 million in his civil fraud case and more than $80 million in E. Jean Carrollâs defamation case.
Forbes Valuation
We estimate Trumpâs net worth is approximately $2.6 billion as of October, with an estimated $640 million in cash and personal assets.
What To Watch For
Trump will go to trial on criminal charges for the first time next month, with jury selection slated to begin on March 25. The former president was indictedâand pleaded not guiltyâon 34 criminal counts for falsification of business records in August.
Surprising Fact
On Saturday, the former president also launched a $399 high-top sneaker line. During a speech at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, Trump said itâs âsomething [heâs] been talking about for 12 years.â
Key Background
Saturdayâs fiery speech was the first time Trump publicly addressed his legal troubles since Engoronâs ruling. Last May, he was also ordered to pay Carroll $5 million for sexual abuse and defamation after a jury found him guilty on those counts.
Further Reading
Trump Launches $399 Sneaker Line In Ex-President’s Latest Merchandise Sale (Forbes)
Hereâs How Much Donald Trump Is Worth (Forbes)
Trump Blasts âTotal Shamâ $350 Million Fraud Ruling â While His Campaign Fundraises (Forbes)
Fani Willis Admits To Romantic Relationship But Chides ‘Offensive’ ‘Lies’ About Timeline (Forbes)