The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected Donald Trump's appeal to overturn a $5 million judgment in favor of E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of sexual assault and defamation. The decision leaves intact a 2023 jury verdict that found Trump liable for assaulting Carroll in a New York department store in 1996 and defaming her in subsequent statements.
Core Facts
The Supreme Court declined to hear Trump's challenge, ending his legal efforts to overturn the verdict. The initial trial awarded Carroll $2 million for sexual assault and $3 million for defamation. A separate 2024 jury later awarded her an additional $83.3 million in another defamation case, which Trump is still appealing.
Trump's Response
Trump criticized the decision on social media, calling the case "fake" and claiming it was politically motivated. He vowed to continue fighting the ruling, framing it as an attack on the U.S. legal system. "This Case is really against the United States of America," he wrote, arguing that New York's Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily suspended the statute of limitations, was unfairly applied.
Legal Background
Carroll first accused Trump in a 2019 memoir, detailing the alleged assault. Trump denied the claims, calling them a "hoax" and mocking Carroll. The 2023 trial included testimony from other women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct, as well as the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, where Trump made lewd comments about women. Trump's legal team argued the evidence was prejudicial and the trial was unfair.
Implications
The Supreme Court's decision means Trump must pay Carroll the $5 million, though he has already deposited $5.5 million in a court-controlled account. The larger $83.3 million judgment remains under appeal, and Trump has suggested he will continue to challenge it. Legal experts note that the ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving public figures and defamation claims.
Diverse Perspectives
Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, called the decision a "victory for accountability," stating that Trump's appeals had failed. Meanwhile, Trump's supporters argue the case is part of a broader effort to target him politically. The legal battle has drawn attention to New York's Adult Survivors Act, which critics say retroactively changes the rules for civil cases.