'And I’m ok with that': Trump judge makes 'one word' change to recent order for jurors’ protection

In an order issued last week, US District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who's presiding over E. Jean Carroll's defamation trial against Donald Trump, made his intent to protect the safety and security of jurors clear by ensuring the anonymous jurors are given a safe means of transportation to and from the courthouse.

Politico Erica Orden tweeted Tuesday, January 16 that in the order, Kaplan "suggested members of the jury that they refer to each other using assumed names, and laid out highly detailed instructions for their safe transportation to and from the courtroom each day." She added, "The jurors will be transported to court each day by gathering at certain meeting spots, from where they will be driven to court and brought in via underground garage, Kaplan says. He also instructed jurors not tell anyone, including family, that they are serving on this case,"

On Tuesday, January 23, legal expert Lisa Rubin shared a copy of Kaplan's revised order via X (formerly Twitter), writing, "NEW: Judge Kaplan issued an amended order tonight that differs from an order he issued last week by one word. And by replacing 'lunches' with 'meals,' he is telling the world, 'This jury could deliberate into the night--and I'm ok with that.'"

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In the order, Judge Kaplan referenced an order he issued three months ago demanding that the jurors remain anonymous.

"By Order dated November 3, 2023 (DI 222) the Court ordered that the petit jury empaneled in the trial of this case be kept anonymous," the judge wrote. "In furtherance of that order, the Clerk of Court is directed to provide meals and transportation to-and-from the courthouse for the duration of the trial."

READ MORE: E. Jean Carroll judge tells jurors to use assumed names and not tell family about service