In a recent New York trial, a jury handed down a decision that former President Donald Trump must pay a substantial $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll for tarnishing her reputation as an advice columnist. This unfolded when Trump labeled her a liar following her allegations of sexual assault against him.
Breaking down the awarded amount, Carroll received $65 million in punitive damages, an additional $11 million for the harm caused to her reputation, and another $7.3 million. Unsurprisingly, Trump is gearing up to appeal this verdict.
Despite the hefty penalty, the outcome wasn’t a shocker, as Judge Lewis Kaplan had previously ruled that Trump had indeed defamed Carroll. The jury’s role was simply to determine the financial compensation owed, not to question Trump’s liability. This marks the second time Trump has been directed to pay Carroll, with a prior jury mandating $5 million in a separate defamation case just last year.
Responding to the verdict, the Trump 2024 campaign released a statement dismissing the trial as a “political weapon.” The statement strongly opposed both verdicts, characterizing it as a “Biden Directed Witch Hunt” targeting Trump and the Republican Party.
This legal development comes hot on the heels of Trump’s victory in the New Hampshire primary, solidifying his position as the GOP front-runner. The case adds to the stack of legal challenges for Trump, including an impending civil trial where he may have to shell out a minimum of $250 million to New York state for alleged fraudulent business practices, as per a judge’s ruling.
E. Jean Carroll, an advice columnist and freelance writer, initially accused Trump of sexual assault in the ’90s. Trump’s subsequent denial and disparaging remarks prompted Carroll to file a defamation lawsuit, contending that it damaged her reputation as a trusted media source and led to a surge in insults, threats, and offensive messages on social media.
Initially blocked by Trump’s Attorney General Bill Barr, the lawsuit gained momentum in 2023 under Biden’s Justice Department. Citing a 2023 decision finding Trump liable for assault, Judge Kaplan concluded that Trump had indeed defamed Carroll in 2019.
Carroll testified during the trial, expressing the significant harm caused by Trump’s accusations, leading to a decline in advice column emails and a surge in threats and insults. Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, argued that damages should not be directly attributed to Trump. In his brief testimony, Trump reiterated his previous deposition, claiming he never instructed anyone to harm Carroll and emphasized his intent to defend himself, his family, and his presidency.
Throughout the trial, Trump’s vocal presence outside the courtroom led to warnings from Judge Kaplan about potential interference. Trump consistently asserted that the trial was election interference, echoing claims similar to those that prompted the lawsuit against him.