Former U.S. President Donald Trump faced another legal setback on Monday as a federal appeals court upheld a civil ruling requiring him to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll. Carroll had accused Trump of sexual assault and was subsequently targeted by his repeated public attacks and social media posts.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the Second Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Trump's appeal, affirming the jury's decision as "fair and reasonable." The three-judge panel noted the "extraordinary, perhaps unprecedented" level of reproach in Trump's behavior, considering the continued discredit campaigns he led against Carroll over the years.
Trump's Arguments Rejected
Trump contended that the damages were "excessive," specifically challenging the $65 million in punitive damages. He also sought a new trial following a Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential immunity. However, the judges dismissed these claims, emphasizing that Trump's attacks on Carroll grew "more extreme and frequent" as the legal proceedings progressed.
Background of the Case
Carroll, now 81, alleged in her memoirs that Trump sexually assaulted her in 1996 at a New York department store. In a 2023 trial, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse, awarding Carroll $5 million in compensation. A subsequent trial focused solely on defamation damages, stemming from Trump's 2019 remarks branding Carroll a "politically and financially motivated liar" and suggesting she was "not his type."
The court noted that Carroll received numerous death threats following Trump's comments and lost her long-standing columnist position at Elle magazine. Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, applauded the appellate court's decision, asserting that it affirmed Carroll's truthfulness and Trump's dishonesty.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Trump's legal team maintained that the case exemplified a "politicization of the judicial system" and indicated plans to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Trump continues to navigate multiple legal challenges as he serves his second term in the White House.
Key Aspects of Trump's Legal Challenges
What was the basis of E. Jean Carroll's lawsuit against Donald Trump?
E. Jean Carroll accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in a New York department store in 1996. She later filed a defamation lawsuit after Trump publicly attacked her credibility and motivations.
Why did the appeals court uphold the $83.3 million ruling against Trump?
The appeals court found the jury's decision "fair and reasonable," emphasizing the unprecedented level of reproach in Trump's ongoing discredit campaigns against Carroll.
How did Trump's legal team respond to the appellate court's decision?
Trump's legal team argued that the case was an example of judicial system politicization and expressed their intention to appeal to the Supreme Court.