In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald Trump took the witness stand for less than three minutes during the defamation trial brought against him by writer E. Jean Carroll. Despite the brevity of his testimony, Trump managed to violate the judge's rules regarding what he could disclose to the jury, leaving the courtroom in a state of tension. Trump, who testified in his own defense, seemed visibly agitated and did not make eye contact with the jury during his brief appearance.

Due to the complex legal context of the case, the judge had imposed limitations on Trump's testimony, allowing his lawyers to ask only a few short questions that required simple yes or no answers. These questions primarily focused on whether Trump had made negative statements in response to an accusation and if he had intended to harm Carroll. However, Trump went beyond the boundaries set by the judge, stating, "She said something that I considered to be a false accusation," and later adding, "I just wanted to defend myself, my family, and, frankly, the presidency."

Judge Lewis A. Kaplan promptly instructed the jury to disregard Trump's unsolicited remarks. Rolling his eyes in apparent frustration, Trump stepped down from the witness stand. During a break shortly after, he left the courtroom shaking his head, exclaiming to spectators three times, "this is not America." Carroll, the plaintiff in the case, observed the proceedings from her table throughout.

Carroll, a renowned advice columnist, alleges that Trump sexually assaulted her in 1996 and subsequently defamed her by publicly calling her a liar when she disclosed the incident in her 2019 memoir. Trump has made numerous public statements about Carroll, but this trial marked the first time he directly addressed a jury regarding her claims.

However, jurors were not only presented with Trump's live testimony but also portions of a 2022 deposition in which he vehemently denied Carroll's allegations, labeling her as “sick” and a "whack job." Trump reiterated his unwavering stance during his brief appearance on Thursday, stating that he stood by his deposition "100%."

The trial, which has garnered significant media attention, holds immense implications for both parties involved. Carroll seeks more than $10 million in damages for the harm caused by Trump's statements, while Trump endeavors to defend his reputation and deny the allegations brought against him. As the trial continues, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving the nation captivated by the legal battle between the former president and his accuser.