Appeals Court Affirms $83.3 Million Defamation Judgment Against Donald Trump
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Monday rejected former President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn a jury verdict that ordered him to pay $83.3 million for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The ruling sustains a significant judgment stemming from Carroll’s accusations that Trump sexually assaulted her in the mid-1990s and later defamed her by denying the allegations.
Background of the Case
Carroll filed two civil defamation lawsuits against Trump related to statements he made denying her sexual assault claims. The first case, Carroll I, involved Trump’s 2019 remarks, while Carroll II concerned statements from 2022. A jury in Carroll II found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million. The $83.3 million judgment relates to Carroll I.
Appellate Court’s Reasoning
Trump argued that the verdict was excessive and invalid, citing a recent Supreme Court decision that expanded presidential immunity protections. However, the three-judge panel—comprising two Biden appointees and one Obama appointee—found no grounds to reconsider their prior ruling on presidential immunity.
The court held that the lower federal court did not err in barring Trump’s attorneys from relitigating the truthfulness of his statements about Carroll. The judges noted the material similarity of the statements in both cases and affirmed that the jury in Carroll II had determined Carroll’s allegations were truthful.
Implications and Next Steps
Trump’s legal team has indicated plans to petition the Supreme Court to overturn the $5 million verdict in Carroll II. Meanwhile, Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, welcomed the appellate decision, expressing hope that the appellate process will soon conclude and justice will be served.
The White House declined to comment, referring inquiries to Trump’s personal lawyers, who did not immediately respond.
FinOracleAI — Market View
This appellate ruling removes significant legal uncertainty surrounding the large defamation judgment against Donald Trump, reinforcing the financial risks associated with his ongoing litigation. While the Supreme Court appeal remains a potential disruptor, this decision supports the enforceability of substantial damage awards in politically sensitive defamation cases. Investors should monitor further Supreme Court developments and any potential financial disclosures related to these judgments.
Impact: negative
