US Court Upholds $83 Million Defamation Verdict Against Donald Trump in E Jean Carroll Case
In one of the most closely watched legal battles involving a former US president, a federal appeals court has upheld an $83.3 million jury verdict against Donald Trump. The decision, issued Monday by the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, represents a major victory for writer E Jean Carroll, who has accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s and later defaming her when he denied the allegation two decades later.
Carroll, 81, a former Elle magazine columnist, first came forward publicly in 2019, alleging that Trump raped her in a department store dressing room in New York City during the mid-1990s. Trump immediately denied the accusation, saying she was “not his type” and accusing her of fabricating the claim to sell books. Those remarks became the basis of her defamation lawsuit, which has now resulted in two major verdicts against Trump: a $5 million judgment in 2023 and the $83.3 million award upheld this week.
The court’s decision underscores both the seriousness of Trump’s statements and the willingness of the judiciary to hold even former presidents accountable for defamatory conduct. It also sets a precedent for how presidential immunity can—and cannot—be applied in civil disputes arising from actions outside the scope of official duties.
The Background: E Jean Carroll’s Allegations
Carroll’s allegations first surfaced publicly in 2019 when she released excerpts from her memoir in New York Magazine. In her account, she claimed that Trump cornered her inside the lingerie department of Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store in Manhattan, and forced himself on her. Trump vehemently denied the accusations, dismissing her claims as “fiction.”
At the time, Carroll was 75 years old, and Trump was serving as the sitting president. His public dismissal of her allegations and disparaging remarks about her character quickly became a focal point of her legal battle. Carroll argued that Trump’s statements inflicted severe reputational damage, portraying her as a liar and undermining her decades-long career as a respected journalist and advice columnist.
Carroll’s legal team pursued the case under defamation law, asserting that Trump’s comments were false, malicious, and caused lasting harm to her reputation and emotional well-being. The lawsuit sought both compensatory and punitive damages.
Trump’s Defense and Claims of Immunity
Trump’s legal strategy centered on the argument that he was immune from civil lawsuits arising from actions taken during his presidency. His lawyers cited the US Supreme Court’s 2024 decision granting him broad criminal immunity as precedent, insisting that the same principle should apply in civil litigation.
Specifically, Trump argued that his 2019 comments were made in his capacity as president while addressing the media. According to his defense team, recognizing liability for such statements could undermine the authority of the executive branch and expose future presidents to endless lawsuits.
However, the appeals court flatly rejected this argument. In its written opinion, the three-judge panel emphasized that Trump’s remarks about Carroll were personal in nature, unrelated to his official duties as president. The panel also noted that presidential immunity does not extend to defamatory statements that harm private citizens, especially when such comments were not necessary for fulfilling presidential responsibilities.
The Jury’s Verdict and Damages Breakdown
The jury’s January 2024 decision to award Carroll $83.3 million marked one of the largest defamation verdicts ever levied against a high-profile public figure. The breakdown of damages reflected both the severity of the harm caused and the court’s desire to deter similar conduct in the future:
- $18.3 million was awarded for compensatory damages, intended to cover the emotional distress, humiliation, and reputational damage Carroll endured as a result of Trump’s remarks.
- $65 million was granted in punitive damages, signaling the jury’s view that Trump’s actions were egregious enough to warrant significant financial punishment.
In upholding the verdict, the appeals court noted that the damages were “reasonable in light of the extraordinary and egregious facts of this case.” This finding directly countered Trump’s claim that the jury award was excessive or politically motivated.
Previous Rulings and Carroll’s Legal Victories
This latest decision is not the first time Trump has faced consequences in his legal battles with Carroll. In May 2023, a separate jury found him liable for both sexual assault and defamation, ordering him to pay Carroll $5 million in damages. That verdict was upheld in June 2024, reinforcing the credibility of Carroll’s claims and further strengthening her legal standing.
Together, the two verdicts—$5 million and $83.3 million—represent nearly $90 million in damages awarded to Carroll across different trials. These rulings underscore the judiciary’s consistent stance that Trump’s actions and comments crossed legal boundaries and inflicted measurable harm.
Carroll, who has remained outspoken throughout the legal process, published a new memoir in June 2024 titled Not My Type: One Woman vs a President. The title itself was a pointed reference to Trump’s dismissive remarks, and the book reflects on her personal journey through the legal system while confronting one of the most powerful figures in the world.
Political and Legal Implications for Donald Trump
The court’s decision arrives at a critical moment in Donald Trump’s political career. As he continues to pursue another presidential run, his mounting legal challenges pose both financial and reputational risks. The $83.3 million verdict not only adds to his legal liabilities but also underscores ongoing concerns about his conduct and character.
For Trump’s critics, the ruling is proof that accountability can reach even the highest offices of power. For his supporters, however, it may reinforce claims of judicial overreach and politically motivated attacks. The divide reflects the broader polarization in American politics, where Trump remains both a deeply influential and deeply controversial figure.
Legally, the ruling sets important boundaries around presidential immunity, clarifying that protections for official acts cannot be used as a shield against personal misconduct. This distinction will likely influence future cases involving presidents and high-ranking officials, shaping the balance between executive power and individual accountability.
What Comes Next in the Carroll Case
Although the appeals court’s ruling represents a significant victory for Carroll, the legal battle may not be entirely over. Trump’s legal team could attempt to bring the case before the US Supreme Court, though it is unclear whether the Court would agree to hear it. Given the panel’s strong dismissal of Trump’s immunity argument, legal experts suggest that further appeals may face steep hurdles.
For Carroll, the decision validates years of persistence in her pursuit of justice. At 81, she has framed her legal battle not only as a personal fight but also as a broader statement on the ability of survivors to hold powerful figures accountable. Her resilience and willingness to confront Trump publicly have made her a symbol in the broader #MeToo movement, which continues to resonate in American culture and politics.
Professional Closing
The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold the $83.3 million defamation verdict against Donald Trump marks another dramatic turn in a case that has spanned decades and challenged the boundaries of presidential power. By rejecting Trump’s claims of immunity, the court reaffirmed the principle that no individual—regardless of status or office—is above the law. For E Jean Carroll, the ruling represents vindication and a powerful moment of accountability. For Trump, it adds yet another layer of legal and political uncertainty as he navigates the next chapter of his public life.
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