Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) on Sunday defended Donald Trump after he was ordered to pay over $83 million in damages for defaming author E. Jean Carroll by a New York jury, saying voters are unlikely to care in regards to the end result of the case.
Scott, who seems to be auditioning to be Trump’s vice presidential choose, stated most Individuals aren’t curious about Trump’s authorized woes, when requested if the most recent verdict in opposition to the previous president gave him pause.
“Myself and all of the voters that assist Donald Trump [support] a return to normalcy because it pertains to what impacts their kitchen desk,” Scott informed ABC’s Martha Raddatz.
Trump, who was beforehand discovered liable of defaming and sexually abusing Carroll, on Friday was ordered to pay the author $7.3 million in emotional damages, $11 million in reputation-related damages and $65 million in punitive damages.
However Scott argued the decision just isn’t a difficulty which impacts voters.
“The common individual in our nation, Martha, isn’t — they’re not speaking about lawsuits,” Scott stated on ABC’s “This Week.” “As a matter of truth, what I’ve seen, nonetheless, is that the notion that the authorized system is being weaponized in opposition to Donald Trump is definitely growing his ballot numbers.”
Scott, who suspended his personal 2024 presidential marketing campaign in November, endorsed Trump shortly earlier than the New Hampshire major. His determination raised eyebrows given Nikki Haley, Trump’s rival within the GOP major, appointed him to his Senate seat throughout her time as South Carolina governor.
Scott additionally stood by Trump as he attacked Haley’s look and made particular point out of the senator’s endorsement of him throughout his speech following his victory within the Granite State.
“Did you ever assume that she really appointed you, Tim?” Trump requested. “And also you’re the senator of her state. And [you] endorsed me.”
“You should actually hate her,” he added.
“I simply love you,” Scott replied.
Pressed by ABC’s Martha Raddatz to share his response to Trump’s repeated assaults in opposition to Haley, together with calling her a “birdbrain,” Scott did not condemn the previous president.
“His language is way extra provocative than mine,” he stated.
The Republican senator additionally deflected questions concerning Trump’s lies in regards to the 2020 election. Scott has beforehand stated President Joe Biden was legitimately elected president.
“I’ll merely say that the American individuals are extra involved about tomorrow than they’re yesterday,” Scott stated. “And due to that, the race that we’re seeing coming to gentle immediately is Joe Biden’s 4 years versus Donald Trump’s 4 years. We don’t must litigate what occurred in 2020.”
Trump has appeared open to the prospect of choosing Scott as his vice chairman.
“He’s a man that I have a look at,” Trump stated on “The Howie Carr Present” final week.
