- A federal jury ordered former President Donald Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages to E. Jean Carroll for defaming her when he denied her accusation of sexual assault in the 1990s. The verdict adds to a previous $5 million verdict finding Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll.
- The trial focused on comments Trump made in 2019 when Carroll first came forward. Trump claimed Carroll was lying to sell books. Carroll testified Trump’s comments “ended the world that I had been living in.”
- Within minutes of the verdict, Trump vowed to appeal, calling the $83.3 million verdict “absolutely ridiculous.” The case is among numerous legal battles Trump faces amid his 2024 campaign.
Former President Donald Trump has been ordered by a federal jury to pay $83.3 million in damages to E. Jean Carroll for defaming her when he denied her accusation that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s.
Background on Defamation Lawsuit
The verdict marks the second time Carroll has won damages from Trump related to her accusation. It adds to a previous $5 million verdict finding Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll.
The latest trial became intertwined with the early 2024 primary contests, proceeding through the New Hampshire primary.
Trump attended most of the multi-day trial, briefly taking the stand as the final witness. The scope was narrowed by a previous jury verdict finding Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll.
Details of the Jury’s Verdict
After three hours of deliberation, the unanimous nine-person New York jury awarded Carroll:
- $11 million for a reputational repair program
- $73 million in other compensatory damages
- $65 million in punitive damages
The case focused on comments Trump made in June 2019 when Carroll first came forward. Trump claimed Carroll was lying to sell books.
Carroll and Trump’s Testimony
Carroll testified at length that Trump’s comments “ended the world that I had been living in.”
Trump gave limited testimony due to restrictions from the judge. He stood by his previous deposition comments attacking Carroll.
The trial also included testimony from Carroll’s expert witness on damages and the former editor of Elle magazine.
Trump Vows to Appeal
Within minutes of the verdict, Trump vowed on Truth Social to appeal, calling the verdict “absolutely ridiculous.”
The cases are among numerous legal battles Trump faces amid his 2024 campaign. A civil fraud case against his business and criminal indictments with over 90 charges also loom.
