In a significant legal development, a federal judge has denied former President Donald Trump's latest attempt to delay the payment of nearly $5.8 million to writer E. Jean Carroll. This amount stems from a 2023 civil lawsuit in which a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll in the 1990s. Despite multiple appeals and legal maneuvers, Trump's efforts to avoid this financial obligation have been unsuccessful, culminating in the recent court decision.
The origins of this case trace back to Carroll's allegations of sexual assault by Trump in a Manhattan department store dressing room during the mid-1990s. Carroll publicly disclosed these allegations in 2019, leading to a defamation lawsuit against Trump. In 2023, a jury unanimously found Trump liable for both sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. This amount has since accrued interest, bringing the total to nearly $5.8 million.
Trump's legal team has consistently contested the verdict, seeking to overturn the decision through various appeals. Notably, on June 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Trump's appeal, effectively upholding the jury's verdict. This decision was met with criticism from Trump, who labeled it part of a broader "liberal lawfare" and vowed to continue challenging the case. Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its role in solidifying the jury's unanimous decision.
Following the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the appeal, Carroll's legal team filed a motion in Manhattan federal court, urging the court to enforce the payment of the awarded damages. They argued that Trump's attempts to delay the payment were unjustified and that the funds, now totaling nearly $5.8 million with interest, should be disbursed promptly. Carroll's lawyers contended that Trump's actions were dilatory and aimed at further stalling the case's resolution.
In response, Trump's attorneys requested additional time to familiarize themselves with the case, citing the recent appointment of their lead counsel, Josh Halpern, who succeeded Justin Smith after his confirmation as a federal judge. They argued that this transition necessitated more time to prepare a comprehensive response. However, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan denied this request, stating that Trump must reply by July 7, 2026.
This legal battle is not isolated. In a separate 2019 case, Carroll was awarded an additional $83.3 million for defamation, bringing Trump's total financial liability to over $100 million. This judgment was upheld by an appeals court in September 2025, and Trump's legal team has indicated plans to appeal further.
The ongoing litigation underscores the complexities and challenges of legal accountability for high-profile individuals. Despite the substantial financial implications for Trump, the cases highlight the judiciary's role in addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and defamation, regardless of the defendant's status.
As the legal proceedings continue, both parties remain entrenched in their positions. Carroll seeks justice and the fulfillment of the jury's verdict, while Trump continues to challenge the decisions through the legal system. The outcome of these cases may have broader implications for similar lawsuits and the enforcement of civil judgments in the future.
In summary, the federal judge's recent denial of Trump's request to delay the $5.8 million payout to E. Jean Carroll represents a significant moment in a protracted legal saga. It reflects the judiciary's commitment to upholding jury verdicts and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions, irrespective of their public profiles.