By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Feb 28 – Arlene "A.J." Delgado sued the Trump campaign after she did not receive the West Wing job she said she was promised (but Jason Miller got).
On August 16, 2022 U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker held an in-person proceeding. Inner City Press went and covered it.
Jump cut to January 30, 2024: Delgado is now pro se and moving to depose Reince Priebus and Eric Trump. Inner City Press live tweeted, thread
On February 5, 2024, Magistrate Judge Parker denied Delgado's motion that she recuse herself for having practiced employment defense law prior to becoming a Magistrate Judge, and other reasons. Order on Patreon here.
On February 28, after Delgado's submission of a 15 page letter here, there was a discovery conference. Inner City Press live tweeted it here (and, for those who prefer, on Threads here)
OK - now Arlene Delgado v. Trump for President, she is asking to depose Trump, Bannon, Jared Kushner, John Kelly, Rob Porter (citing domestic battery)
Judge: Defense, what is your response to plaintiff's letter? Trump's lawyer Blumetti: It is 15 pages long, & 3 pages is the limit. This will make discovery drag on. We believe it is improper. With respect to subjects, she has already questioned Mr Priebus & Spicer
Arlene Delgado: May I have 90 seconds to respond? Judge: Yes. Delgado: I'm requesting an additional 45 days. The defendants led this case into a 2 year red herring, I remind the court. Part II of the letter, I have every right to refute their grounds
Arlene Delgado: Mr. Spicer, I would question if it was definitive - Mr. Spicer said Jared Kushner was one of the decision makers. They play hot potato with accountability. Mr. Blumetti just now found a document that is clearly responsive
Judge: The witness must be prepared to answer, and the answers will be binding. The campaign must prepare the witness. Having heard argument about the proposed additional depositions, I'm of the view most are not necessary or proportional to the needs of the case
Judge: They have to be taken by April 15. You may depose Lucia Castellana of HR, Michael Glassner - and Jared Kushner. Arlene Delgado: Many of these people are still working for the Trump campaign, they have an interest.. Judge: So you can depose Don McGahn
Judge: The court has broad discretion to limit discovery. I am confident you will be able to vigorously prosecute your case with these additional witnesses. Arlene Delgado: What about Kellyanne Conway? That's a key one. Judge: Mr. Blumetti, will you call her?
Blumetti: I don't represent her. We weren't planning on subpoenaing her. Judge: She was listed in the past, her information may be redundant. If however the defendant does end up calling Ms. Conway as a witness, the court will permit a short deposition.Arlene Delgado: I informed her and Mr. Bannon about my pregnancy -
Judge: You can testify. Delgado: What about Steve Bannon? Judge: He's a defendant. But he has not appeared. You can move for a default. Delgado: A deposition would be more productive.
Judge: Requested denied. What about the documents? Delgado: I emailed them Blumetti: We didn't get any email. We can provide a DropBox link after this... The document referred to is reiterative. Arlene Delgago: The sender and date were different
Judge: Opposition to motions to compel by March 27, no replies. Motions limited to 10 page, only filed after a meet and confer. Any stipulations? Arlene Delgado: I have not heard back from Mr. Blumetti, about Mr. Trump's remarks to me...
Judge: Can the campaign stipulate? Trump lawyer Blumetti: There were org charts. Once Mr. Miller was out, the decisions were up to Sean Spicer. To him, she wasn't being considered. That's why she didn't get the job.
Judge: Do you have reason to believe the campaign contacted America First PAC? Arlene Delgado: Under NY retaliation law, the timing of me not signing the release and getting fired seems to comply. Eric Trump called got me that job. Judge: You can ask Eric Trump
Judge: I expect the parties to finish exchanging documents. Arlene Delgado: Can I have an extension in this Lenten season?
Judge: You said you can take deposition during Lent. We are adjourned.
More on X for Subscriber here, Substack here - and letter here
Inner City Press will continue to follow the case.
It is Delgado v. Donald J. Trump For President, Inc. et al., 19-cv-11764 (Torres / Parker)
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