Former President Donald J. Trump has been ordered by a Manhattan jury to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll following a defamation trial. The trial revolved around Trump’s defamatory statements made in 2019 after Carroll accused him of rape. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before awarding Carroll $65 million in punitive damages, citing Trump’s malicious actions. In addition, compensatory damages of $18.3 million were granted to Carroll for the suffering she endured as a result of Trump’s behavior.
While Trump reacted to the decision on his Truth Social website, calling it “absolutely ridiculous” and criticizing the legal system, Carroll expressed her satisfaction with the verdict. She stated that it was a victory for women who stand up against bullying. Trump, however, did not attack Carroll directly in his response.
The payment owed to Carroll may be delayed due to Trump’s plan to appeal the verdict. This is not the only legal challenge Trump currently faces; he also has a civil fraud trial brought by New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, who is seeking a penalty of around $370 million. Additionally, Trump faces four criminal indictments, with at least one going to trial before the upcoming election.
Despite the outcome of the defamation trial, Trump has seen recent political success, securing victories in Iowa and New Hampshire and solidifying his position as the likely Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election. However, this loss may have a lasting impact on his campaign as it highlights his legal troubles and portrays him as a target of law enforcement.
Carroll’s testimony during the trial revealed the negative consequences of Trump’s attacks, showing how his supporters mobilized against her with threats on social media and via email. The trial itself lasted about five days over two weeks and was marked by tensions between Trump’s lawyers and Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. Trump’s defense strategy aimed to portray Carroll as a fame-seeking writer, while his lawyers argued that her reputation had improved due to the attention brought by Trump’s statements.
The jury’s decision to award a significant sum to Carroll sends a message that such attacks will not be tolerated. It remains to be seen how Trump’s legal battles will unfold and if they will have any impact on his political ambitions.
