A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a jury verdict ordering President-elect Donald Trump to pay $5 million to writer E. Jean Carroll for sexual abuse and defamation.
Jury Verdict Details
Following a nine-day civil trial in New York last year, a jury concluded that Trump sexually abused Carroll at a Manhattan department store in 1996. The jury awarded her $2 million for sexual abuse and $3 million for defamation after Trump denied the allegations and publicly disparaged her.
Trump’s Appeal Rejected
Trump appealed the decision, arguing that testimony from two other women who accused him of sexual assault should have been excluded. However, a three-judge panel from the Second US Circuit Court of Appeals rejected his claims, stating that he failed to demonstrate any legal errors or significant impact on his rights that would justify a new trial.
Carroll’s Separate Case and Larger Award
In a separate case, another jury awarded Carroll $83 million in damages related to Trump’s actions. Trump has appealed that verdict as well.
Other Legal Challenges and Dismissals
Two federal cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith against Trump—one for mishandling classified documents and another for attempting to overturn the 2020 election—were dismissed following Trump’s November 5 election victory. The Justice Department’s policy prohibits prosecuting a sitting president.
Business Records Conviction Stands
Earlier this year, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records tied to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Although Trump sought to overturn the conviction, Judge Juan Merchan denied the request but has postponed sentencing indefinitely.
