The MeidasTouch Podcast: E. Jean Carroll Tells All About Defeating Trump at Trials

Release Date: June 20, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve deep into the high-stakes legal battles between E. Jean Carroll and former President Donald Trump. Featuring insights from Carroll herself and her attorney, Robby Kaplan, the discussion sheds light on the strategies, challenges, and triumphs encountered during the trials. This episode not only highlights Carroll's resilience but also underscores the importance of steadfastness in the face of powerful opposition.

E. Jean Carroll’s Journey and Legal Triumphs

Eugene Carroll, breaking her silence after a five-year hiatus, shares her triumphant experiences in her battles against Donald Trump. Carroll's legal team, led by Robby Kaplan, successfully prevailed in defamation and sexual assault cases against Trump, securing significant verdicts despite relentless opposition.

• Eugene Carroll on Her Victory and New Book:

  "I am still fabulous, but even more fabulous now. Thank you, Ben." ([01:52])

  Carroll discusses her new book, "Not My Type. One Woman versus a President," emphasizing the blend of humor and seriousness that characterized her trials. She highlights the unique personalities involved, including her spirited legal team and the colorful characters they encountered.

• Defamation and Sexual Assault Cases:

  Carroll recounts how Trump utilized every available resource to undermine her case, including invoking the Westfall Act to substitute the United States government as a party in the defamation case. Despite these tactics, Carroll and her team secured victories, earning a substantial verdict.

Legal Strategy and Insights with Robby Kaplan

Robby Kaplan, a seasoned litigator, provides an in-depth analysis of the legal strategies employed during the trials. He underscores the importance of perseverance and unwavering commitment to justice.

• Staying the Course:

  "The one lesson that could be learned from how we litigated this is stay the course." ([05:44])

  Kaplan emphasizes the necessity of persistence, likening the case to a tenacious dog holding onto a bone. This steadfastness was pivotal in navigating Trump's delay tactics and procedural maneuvers.

• Jury Trust in the Legal System:

  "Juries are good things. I think the reason we won this trial is because we had juries with rules of evidence following the truth." ([05:44])

  Kaplan credits the jury's adherence to factual evidence over conspiracy theories as a cornerstone of their success, highlighting the strength of the American judicial system.

Trump’s Defamation Remarks and Potential Legal Implications

The conversation shifts to Trump's public statements following the trials, which Carroll and Kaplan identify as defamatory and potentially actionable.

• Trump’s Dismissive Remarks:

  "You think that that will deter women from voting for you?" ([10:05])

  Donald Trump’s comments on CNN, dismissing Carroll's allegations and mocking her credibility, mirror defamatory language that Carroll contemplates addressing in future legal actions.

• Exploring Further Legal Action:

  "All options are on the table." ([11:54])

  Carroll acknowledges the possibility of pursuing additional defamation lawsuits based on Trump's ongoing defamatory statements, though she recognizes the grueling nature of such litigation.

Highlights from Trump’s Deposition and Legal Tactics

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the dramatic moments during Trump's deposition, where his evasiveness and contradictory statements were exposed.

• The "Not My Type" Deposition Moment:

  "So you believe that there is a case for defamation to be made and at this point it's just a decision, honestly, if Eugene wants to go through that whole situation again." ([14:57])

  The deposition revealed Trump's attempt to dismiss Carroll's allegations by stating, "She's not my type," a phrase that was effectively discredited by Carroll's legal team.

• Impact of Trump's Absence:

  "He wasn't there at the trial. And I think the jury understood exactly what that meant." ([21:17])

  Kaplan discusses the strategic advantage gained when Trump chose not to testify, preventing him from further undermining Carroll's case and allowing the deposition evidence to stand unchallenged.

Lessons and Takeaways

Ben, Eugene, and Robby extract vital lessons from the trials that resonate beyond the courtroom, emphasizing the broader implications for democracy and leadership.

• Resilience Against Powerful Adversaries:

  "When you have juries that follow the rules of evidence and seek the truth, they ensure justice prevails." ([05:44])

  The episode underscores the importance of resilience and integrity when confronting individuals in positions of immense power.

• Empowerment Through Truth:

  "Our case was about a one woman versus a president, and the truth ultimately prevailed." ([25:03])

  Carroll's victory serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that truth and perseverance can triumph even against formidable adversaries.

Closing Remarks and Book Promotion

Eugene Carroll and Robby Kaplan conclude the episode by promoting Carroll's book, inviting listeners to delve deeper into the intricacies and personal anecdotes of the trials.

• Recommendation for the Book:

  "Imagine a combination between Hunter S. Thompson and Nora Ephron wrote a book about being on trial against Donald Trump." ([27:10])

  Kaplan likens the book to a captivating blend of investigative journalism and personal narrative, promising readers an engaging and insightful experience.

• Final Encouragement:

  "Old ladies can win lawsuits. Take opportunities when joy happens in your life." ([25:03])

  Carroll encourages listeners to believe in their ability to overcome adversity and seize moments of triumph.

Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of E. Jean Carroll's legal battles against Donald Trump, highlighting the power of resilience, strategic legal maneuvering, and the unwavering pursuit of truth. Through engaging banter and insightful discussions, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of high-profile litigation and its broader societal implications.

Get Your Copy of "Not My Type. One Woman versus a President" by E. Jean Carroll Today!

Note: All timestamps correspond to the episode's transcript and are included to provide context to the quoted material.