In a significant legal development, a federal judge has denied former President Donald Trump's request to postpone the payment of nearly $5.8 million to writer E. Jean Carroll. This amount stems from a 2023 jury verdict that found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. The decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Trump's appeal, effectively upholding the jury's verdict.
The case traces back to the mid-1990s when Carroll accused Trump of assaulting her in a New York City department store. She publicly disclosed these allegations in 2019, leading to a defamation lawsuit after Trump dismissed her claims as a "con job." In 2023, a Manhattan federal jury unanimously found Trump liable for both sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages.
Despite the jury's decision, Trump has consistently denied the allegations and sought to overturn the verdict. His legal team filed an appeal, which was rejected by the Supreme Court on June 29, 2026. Following this, Trump's attorneys requested additional time to respond to Carroll's demand for payment, citing the recent appointment of a new lead counsel. However, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan denied this request, ordering Trump to reply by July 7.
Carroll's legal team has criticized Trump's attempts to delay the payment, describing them as dilatory tactics aimed at stalling the disbursement of funds. They argue that the case has been prolonged unnecessarily and that Carroll is entitled to the damages awarded by the jury. The funds, now totaling nearly $5.8 million with accrued interest, are currently held in an escrow account.
In a separate legal matter, Trump faces an additional $83.3 million defamation judgment awarded to Carroll in 2024. This judgment pertains to statements Trump made in 2019, further complicating his legal challenges related to Carroll's allegations.
The legal proceedings have attracted significant public attention, highlighting ongoing discussions about accountability and justice. Carroll's case has been seen as a landmark in addressing sexual abuse and defamation, especially involving high-profile individuals. The denial of Trump's request to delay the payment is viewed by many as a reinforcement of the legal system's commitment to upholding jury verdicts and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they are awarded.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the next steps in this high-profile legal battle. The outcome may have broader implications for similar cases and the enforcement of civil judgments against former public officials.