A federal appeals court on Wednesday rejected Donald Trump’s bid to delay paying the $83.3 million defamation judgment to writer E. Jean Carroll, moving the former president closer to having to cover the massive award.
Court Ruling and Immediate Impact
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan denied Trump’s motion for a stay pending appeal, meaning the judgment is now enforceable. Trump had argued that requiring payment before his appeal was resolved could cause irreparable harm, but the court found he failed to meet the legal standard for a stay.
The ruling comes months after a jury in April 2024 found Trump liable for defaming Carroll in 2019 when he denied her rape allegation and called her a liar. The jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages, including $7.3 million in compensatory damages and $11 million for a reputation repair program, plus $65 million in punitive damages.
Legal Context and Next Steps
Trump’s legal team had sought to delay payment while appealing the verdict, but the appeals court’s decision means Carroll can now seek to collect the judgment. Trump’s lawyers could ask the full 2nd Circuit or the Supreme Court to intervene, but for now, the path to payment is clear.
According to Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, “The court’s decision affirms that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law. We look forward to collecting the judgment on behalf of Ms. Carroll.”
Background of the Case
The defamation case stems from Carroll’s 2019 accusation that Trump raped her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. Trump denied the allegation, calling it a “hoax” and a “scam.” Carroll sued for defamation in 2022 after a New York law temporarily revived older sexual abuse claims. In a separate trial in 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million. The $83.3 million award came from a second trial focused on defamation damages.
Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing and has vowed to appeal. His spokesperson, Steven Cheung, said in a statement, “President Trump will continue to fight this injustice and looks forward to vindication on appeal.”
Broader Implications
The decision marks a significant legal setback for Trump, who faces multiple other civil and criminal cases. The $83.3 million judgment is one of the largest defamation awards in U.S. history. Legal experts say the ruling underscores the difficulty of delaying enforcement of jury verdicts pending appeal, especially when the defendant is a wealthy individual.
Carroll’s legal team is expected to begin the process of collecting the judgment, which could involve seizing assets or garnishing income. Trump’s financial status has been a subject of scrutiny, with recent court filings indicating he holds significant real estate and cash reserves.
