By John Q. Hosedrinker 
E. Jean Carroll, a woman whom Donald Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming, recently received a Valentine’s Day fundraising email from “Secret Admirer Donald J. Trump.” The unsolicited message, part of an automated campaign, expressed love and asked if everything was okay, while also soliciting donations. This communication follows a federal jury’s decision in May 2023 that found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, ordering him to pay Carroll $88.3 million, a ruling he continues to appeal. The email’s tone has been described as that of a “clingy ex,” pressing recipients to reassure Trump of their continued support with financial contributions.
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It’s truly astonishing, isn’t it, to hear about Donald Trump, at 79, sending what’s being described as a “love letter” to E. Jean Carroll, the very woman who successfully sued him for sexual assault and defamation? The circumstances surrounding this so-called letter are, to put it mildly, bewildering and deeply concerning. It’s reportedly a mass-emailed campaign blast, ostensibly a fundraising effort, yet it somehow ended up in Carroll’s inbox. The message itself, a bizarrely personal note asking if “everything is Okay?” and referencing Valentine’s Day with a rather peculiar sentiment about love, feels like something out of a surreal drama, not real life.
One can only imagine the reaction from Carroll, and indeed, from many observers who find this act to be nothing short of harassment. The fact that this communication is coming from someone who has already been found liable for sexual abuse and has an $88 million judgment against him hanging over his head adds another layer of disturbing complexity. It begs the question of basic human decency and empathy. How can a situation like this be considered acceptable on any fundamental level? It seems to suggest a profound disconnect from reality, or perhaps a deliberate tactic to provoke or demean the victim.
The sentiment expressed by many is that this type of behavior is indicative of a complete and utter lack of shame, a point echoed by observations that even former President Obama has commented on. It’s more than just politically tone-deaf; it strikes at the core of societal values and the respect owed to victims of sexual assault. The idea that Trump, or his campaign, would engage in such a tactic, especially given the legal findings against him, is seen by many as a form of trolling, a display of buffoonery that has unfortunately permeated our public discourse.
There’s a strong feeling that Trump fundamentally misunderstands the power of silence and discretion, especially in sensitive situations. Instead of acknowledging the gravity of the legal findings against him and offering a sincere apology or maintaining a respectful distance, he opts for what appears to be taunting behavior. This is not the action of someone who respects legal outcomes or the pain of a victim; it is seen as a continuation of the torment. Some even suggest that this could be considered antagonist behavior, potentially warranting further legal scrutiny regarding emotional distress.
The notion that this was a “love letter” in a personal sense is, of course, largely dismissed. It’s widely understood to be a fundraising tactic, albeit an exceptionally poorly conceived and executed one. The message, “I sent you a LOVE LETTER but I haven’t heard back. It’s Valentine’s Day E Jean! love you, and I was pretty sure you loved me back! Is everything Okay?”, is so far removed from standard political communication that it verges on the unbelievable. This is precisely why some find the headline so jarring, expecting satire but finding a deeply unsettling reality.
Adding to the disquiet is the context of Trump’s broader legal entanglements, including his appearance in the Epstein files. This “love letter” incident, while seemingly bizarre on its own, becomes even more concerning when viewed as part of a pattern of behavior that many perceive as predatory and deeply troubling. The lack of a remorseful or respectful response to the legal judgment, and instead sending such an oddly personal and potentially provocative message, fuels concerns about his character and motivations.
There’s a palpable sense of disbelief that we are living in a time where such events are unfolding. The sheer audacity of the action, combined with the established legal context, leads many to question the state of our society and its capacity for empathy and decency. The argument is often made that Trump and his supporters have contributed to a decline in these essential qualities, fostering an environment where such behavior can occur and even be defended by some.
The campaign’s decision to seemingly add E. Jean Carroll to their mailing list, or to send such a message to her, is viewed as incredibly poor taste. While some might try to frame it as an automated error or a prank by an overzealous supporter, the fact remains that it happened. It highlights a disturbing lack of judgment within his campaign and raises questions about the staff who approved such communications. It’s hard to fathom how anyone involved would deem this an appropriate course of action.
The ongoing legal battles and the sheer volume of criticism Trump faces are testament to the widespread concerns about his conduct. Yet, this particular incident, the “love letter” sent to a sex attack victim, stands out for its peculiar blend of personal intrusion and political maneuvering. It’s a moment that encapsulates the deep divisions and the profound moral questions that continue to surround Donald Trump and his influence on American politics. The hope, for many, is that such egregious actions will eventually lead to accountability and a return to a more civil and respectful public sphere.