- The Supreme Court on Monday declined for a second time to take up President Donald Trump's bid to overturn a jury verdict that awarded $5 million to writer E. Jean Carroll for alleged sexual abuse and defamation.
- In an unusual move, Trump had asked the court to reconsider its previous rejection of his initial appeal, but the court almost never grants such requests.
- Carroll was paid more than $5 million plus interest last month, according to the online docket in her case.
- The case arose from a federal lawsuit Carroll filed in New York City alleging that Trump sexually assaulted her in the dressing room of a department store in 1996.
- A jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages for sexual abuse and defamation, which Trump has denied any wrongdoing regarding.
- Trump has a separate appeal at the Supreme Court concerning a different defamation case in which Carroll won, related to comments he made as president during his first term.
- The court is not set to act on that appeal until later this year.
The Supreme Court's decision on Monday marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battles between Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll. The court declined Trump's request to rehear the case, which stems from Carroll's allegations that Trump sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room in 1996.15
The jury awarded Carroll $5 million for both sexual abuse and defamation, a verdict that Trump has sought to overturn. His legal team described the case as a "Witch Hunt" in a statement, asserting that the American public supports Trump in his fight against what they term politically motivated legal actions.467
The defamation claims arose from statements Trump made after his presidency, where he labeled Carroll's allegations as a "con job" and a "hoax." Despite his denials of wrongdoing and claims of not knowing Carroll, the court's ruling leaves the financial award intact.
In addition to this case, Trump is also appealing a separate defamation verdict that awarded Carroll $83.3 million. The Supreme Court has yet to act on that appeal, which is complicated by questions of presidential immunity during his first term.
The court's refusal to grant a rehearing is notable, as such requests are rarely approved. The decision underscores the challenges Trump faces in his ongoing legal struggles, with Carroll's case remaining a focal point of contention.
“The court's denial came without explanation, and Carroll was paid more than $5 million plus interest last month. Trump's separate appeal over an $83.3 million defamation verdict remains pending, with the court not set to act until later this year.”
CNBC
