U.S. Judge Orders Trump to Pay E. Jean Carroll $5.8 Million After Appeal Fails
A U.S. federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to release nearly $5.8 million to writer and former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll, marking another significant chapter in one of the most closely watched civil legal battles involving the U.S. president.
The ruling comes after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Trump's appeal, allowing the 2023 civil judgment against him to remain in force. With the appeal exhausted, the money that had been held in escrow—along with accumulated interest—has now been authorized for payment.
How the Case Began
The legal dispute stems from allegations made by E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the dressing room of a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s.
Trump has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the encounter never happened and arguing that Carroll's claims were fabricated and politically motivated.
In 2023, however, a federal jury found Trump civilly liable for sexually abusing Carroll and for defaming her through public statements denying her allegations. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. Under New York law and the evidence presented, the jury did not find Trump liable for rape but did find him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the civil case.
Why the Amount Increased to $5.8 Million
Following the original verdict, Trump deposited the judgment into a court-supervised escrow account while pursuing appeals.
Because the money remained on deposit for several years, interest accumulated, increasing the total amount to approximately $5.8 million.
After the Supreme Court declined to review the case, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled that Carroll was entitled to receive the funds immediately.
Trump's Legal Team Continues the Fight
Despite the latest setback, Trump's lawyers have indicated they are not giving up.
They immediately appealed the order releasing the money, arguing that paying Carroll before all legal options are exhausted could cause irreparable harm if the judgment were later overturned.
Trump has repeatedly described the lawsuits as politically motivated and insists he will continue challenging the decisions through every available legal avenue.
Another Major Judgment Still Pending
The $5.8 million payment is only one part of Trump's ongoing legal dispute with Carroll.
In a separate 2024 civil trial, another jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages after finding that Trump continued to defame her through statements made after the first verdict.
That much larger judgment remains the subject of additional appeals.
Political and Public Reactions
The decision has generated strong reactions across the United States.
Supporters of Carroll argue the ruling demonstrates that no individual is above the law and represents accountability through the civil justice system.
Trump's supporters, meanwhile, continue to criticize the lawsuits and court decisions, arguing that they are politically driven and intended to damage his presidency.
The case has remained a focal point in the broader national debate over accountability, defamation, sexual misconduct allegations, and the legal responsibilities of public officials.
What Happens Next?
Although Judge Kaplan has authorized the release of the funds, Trump's legal team is continuing to pursue additional appeals.
The separate $83.3 million defamation judgment is also still moving through the appellate process.
As the legal battle continues, the Carroll cases remain among the most consequential civil lawsuits involving a sitting U.S. president, with implications that extend beyond the individuals involved to questions about accountability, free speech, and the rule of law.
For now, the court has made one point clear: the 2023 civil judgment stands, and E. Jean Carroll is entitled to receive the approximately $5.8 million awarded to her, including accrued interest, while further legal proceedings continue.
