The United States Supreme Court has once again rejected an appeal from President Donald Trump regarding a $5 million US verdict in favor of E. Jean Carroll. The jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming the former magazine columnist. Trump’s lawyers argued that the trial was unfair, but the court’s decision was final with no explanation provided.
In a separate case, Trump is also appealing an $83.3 million US jury verdict for defaming Carroll during his first term as president. His lawyers claim that presidential immunity should protect him from Carroll’s claims, and they contest the lower courts’ rulings on this matter.
The legal battle between Trump and Carroll began in 2019 when Carroll alleged that Trump had raped her in the 1990s. Trump has consistently denied these claims, calling them a “hoax” and a “con job.” The $5 million US verdict stemmed from Trump’s statements in 2022 dismissing Carroll’s claims as false. Although the jury did not find Trump guilty of rape, they determined that he had sexually abused and defamed Carroll.
After the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear Trump’s appeal, Carroll received nearly $5.63 million US from Trump, including the original $5 million US verdict plus interest. Trump’s lawyers believe that the issue of presidential immunity could impact both the $83.3 million US verdict and the 2023 case. The Supreme Court previously ruled that former presidents have immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken during their presidency, but the Carroll cases are civil lawsuits.