A federal appeals court in New York has ruled that former President Donald Trump must pay $83.3 million in damages to writer E. Jean Carroll. The decision follows Carroll’s allegations of sexual assault by Trump, coupled with retaliatory public attacks on her character, which led to a protracted legal battle and widespread public attention.
What Happened
The three-judge panel from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Trump’s appeal against the jury’s decision, affirming that the damages awarded were “fair and reasonable.” The judges emphasized the seriousness of Trump’s actions, describing them as unprecedented, and noted that Carroll endured significant harassment, including numerous death threats, due to Trump’s statements about her.
Trump’s legal team had argued that the punitive damages, particularly the $65 million portion, were excessive, requesting a retrial based on new considerations regarding presidential immunity. However, the appeals court found that Trump’s persistent and aggressive remarks against Carroll justified the substantial financial penalty. The ruling upholds the trial court’s decision and rejects Trump’s claims for a retrial.
Reactions
Carroll’s attorney celebrated the court’s ruling, stating that the affirmation of the damages was a victory for Carroll’s truth. The attorney pointed out that Carroll had been subjected to constant threats throughout the legal process and expressed hope to move past the lengthy appellate battle. “It is time to put this matter behind us,” the attorney said.
In the initial trial, Carroll recounted receiving hundreds of threats following Trump’s public comments, which she said led to a decline in her professional opportunities. Carroll had detailed her accusations in her 2019 memoir, where she claimed Trump assaulted her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. Trump vehemently denied the allegations, accusing Carroll of fabricating the story to promote her book.
What’s Next
The initial trial awarded Carroll $5 million in damages related to the alleged assault and Trump’s defamatory statements. A second trial focused solely on the damages related to Trump’s derogatory remarks made during his presidency, which were found to have caused significant harm to Carroll’s reputation and livelihood. Trump attended this trial, framing the legal proceedings as part of a broader effort to discredit him amid his 2024 presidential campaign.
The appeals court upheld the trial judge’s decisions, affirming that all trial proceedings were conducted fairly and justified by the circumstances. Trump’s comments, which included vows to continue defending himself, were cited as part of a campaign of ongoing defamation against Carroll that persisted for years and intensified during the legal proceedings.
Reactions to the Case
As the political landscape continues to shift, this case highlights the legal and personal challenges faced by public figures, with a particular focus on the consequences of actions taken in the public eye. The ruling serves as a reminder of the accountability individuals in positions of power may face for their conduct, especially when it leads to significant harm to others.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
The post Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million in Damages to E. Jean Carroll After Appeals Court Ruling first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
