The extent of Trump's fear over this lawsuit is evident in the intimidation tactics he's used against Carroll multiple times throughout the controversy. His repeated disregard for trial rules has included defaming Carroll and her attorneys as "political operatives," as well as raising the possibility of using DNA evidence, which the judge has said might suggest he's "tampering" with the legal process. Trump is digging himself into a hole with the public and the judicial system.
Trump has the right to an impartial trial, but the ongoing politically charged media frenzy makes the jury ripe for prejudice — an environment Democrats are seemingly willing to exploit in order to further their persecution of Trump. This is why Tacopina's request for a delay in the trial was completely legitimate and should have been considered seriously. A Trump-hating New York jury could fall for any story told about him given the way society and the media portray the former president.