Senior political reporter Maggie Haberman suggested former President Trump's disparaging remarks about his legal team at a news conference after the court case were a “way of showing superiority.”
Huberman sat down with CNN's Caitlin Collins on Friday after Trump spent his day in court in New York appealing the ruling against him in author E. Jean Carroll's case, after which Trump spoke to the media, both praising and criticizing his lawyers.
“It's a way of showing dominance, a way of showing what he wants, knowing that because this is a public forum, the other person won't argue back — they won't face him and debate,” the New York Times reporter said. Collins toldHost of CNN's “The Source.”
“This is a humiliation tactic,” Haberman added. “It's no secret that he has done so to numerous aides, lawyers, advisers and employees over the course of decades.”
President Trump said Friday that he has legal talent but cannot overcome a “corrupt judge.”
“I'll be honest with you, I'm disappointed in my legal talent,” he said in a speech at Trump Tower in New York City. “They're fine people, good people, talented people.”
Haberman said he was not aware of anyone advising the former president not to attend Friday's court hearing or to speak to the media. He noted that he was not required to attend the court hearing.
“He chose to appear at this hearing, and I understand that. He has made it very clear that he wants to be present in the legal proceedings that concern him,” she said. “That will inevitably bring attention to this press conference, but he did not answer any questions from us. It will only bring even more attention to this at a time when he is trailing women so far in the polls.”
Earlier this year, a federal jury in New York awarded Trump $83.3 million for defamation to Carroll, who claimed she was defamed after coming forward with a sexual assault allegation against Trump.
Haberman specifically referred to his comments about Carroll, in which he described the lawsuit in “detail.”
“He spoke about allegations that, frankly, many members of the public may no longer remember, but if they were watching the show, they would remember,” she said.
Collins noted that she had outlined talking points that her Democratic rival, Vice President Harris, could use as political ammunition.
“I'm sure that will happen after the press conference,” Haberman said.
The comments also came after New York Judge Juan Marchand delayed ruling in the Republican candidate's hush-money lawsuit until after the presidential election, handing Trump the victory.
Haberman also noted that while Trump likely would not want to go to prison, the sentence could be used as a political opportunity for him.
“His supporters have risen to the occasion in such moments in the past,” she said, echoing comments made by Republican strategist Karl Rove on Friday.
