E. Jean Carroll Granted Release of $5.8 Million in Trump Case
E. Jean Carroll, a writer, is set to receive $5.8 million that has been held in escrow after a jury found former President Donald Trump guilty of sexual abuse and defamation against her, as determined by a federal judge on Wednesday. However, Trump’s legal team is making moves to prevent the payment while they pursue an appeal.
Trump had already placed the funds into an account, and with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the 2023 civil verdict, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan has cleared the path for Carroll to access the money. The original $5 million awarded has accrued interest over time.
In a 1996 incident, Trump was found to have assaulted Carroll in a dressing room at a Manhattan luxury department store, later defaming her in a 2019 memoir during his presidency. Trump dismissed her claims, stating, “she’s not my type.”
Trump’s lawyers, continuing their appeal efforts, argue that his political adversaries are manipulating the legal system against him. They have approached the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to halt the payment. Carroll’s legal representatives have yet to respond to these developments.
The trial’s outcome, which Trump did not attend, was largely influenced by Carroll’s testimony about a seemingly friendly encounter that turned violent. Trump has consistently denied knowing Carroll, claiming her actions were driven by a desire to sell books and political motives.
Carroll proceeded with her lawsuit after a change in New York’s laws allowed survivors of past sexual abuse incidents to seek legal recourse. This legislative change was crucial in her ability to file against Trump.
Additionally, Trump is contesting an $83 million defamation compensation from a separate jury ruling in 2024, where he briefly testified. The jury’s role was confined to determining monetary damages owed to Carroll for Trump’s defamatory remarks during his presidency.
Trump’s defense criticized the court’s restrictions during the damages trial, which prevented them from arguing that the disputed encounter never took place. When the 2nd Circuit denied a request for a full court rehearing on the $83 million award, Circuit Judge Denny Chin noted Trump’s persistent claims over the years that Carroll fabricated her allegations for personal gain, and his disparaging remarks on her appearance.
Judge Chin highlighted the severe impact of Trump’s statements on Carroll, who endured harassment, threats, and safety concerns. Despite these consequences, Trump showed no remorse and continued his derogatory comments during and after the trials, even asserting during the first trial that he would defame her repeatedly.
