A federal judge has ruled that writer E Jean Carroll can collect over $5.8 million from Donald Trump after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. This decision follows the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear Trump's appeal on June 29, 2026, clearing the way for the funds to be released.
Judge Lewis A Kaplan issued the ruling on July 8, 2026, allowing Carroll to receive the original $5 million award plus accrued interest since the jury's verdict in 2023. Carroll's legal team had petitioned for the funds' release, asserting that the Supreme Court's decision marked the end of Trump's legal challenges.
Trump's Legal Battles Over Defamation and Abuse Claims
Carroll first accused Trump of sexual assault in 2019, detailing the incident in her memoir, where she claimed he assaulted her in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman in 1996. Following Trump's denials, which included statements labeling her allegations as a "hoax," Carroll filed a defamation lawsuit later that year.
In 2022, Carroll initiated a second lawsuit against Trump, addressing further defamation claims stemming from his comments on Truth Social. In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, but did not find him liable for rape.
Financial Implications of the Ruling
In 2024, a second jury awarded Carroll an additional $83.3 million for defamation related to Trump's 2019 statements while he was president. Trump's legal team has been actively appealing both verdicts, arguing that his comments were protected by presidential immunity.
Following the recent ruling, Trump's spokesperson emphasized that the appeal process is not over, stating, "The American People stand with President Trump as they demand an immediate end to all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded travesty of the Carroll Hoaxes." As of now, Trump has filed a petition with the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.
Future Developments in Carroll's Case Against Trump
The legal saga continues as Trump’s lawyers argue that Carroll's intention to donate the awarded funds poses a risk of “irreparable harm” if the verdict is overturned. Additionally, the Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into Carroll concerning potential perjury during her testimony.
The outcome of these ongoing legal challenges remains uncertain, as both parties prepare for the next steps in this high-profile case.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
