In a second rejection of U.S. President Donald Trump’s appeal, the United States Supreme Court has declined to review a $5 million verdict in favor of E. Jean Carroll. The verdict was based on a jury finding Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming the former magazine columnist. Trump’s lawyers argued that the trial was unfair, but the Court’s order, which provided no explanation, stood firm. This decision marks a rare instance of the Supreme Court denying a request for reconsideration.
The justices are also considering Trump’s appeal of an $83.3 million jury verdict for defaming Carroll during his presidency. Trump’s legal team claims that presidential immunity protects him from Carroll’s allegations and contends that lower courts erred in ruling against this defense.
The legal battle between Trump and Carroll began in 2019 when Carroll accused Trump of raping her in the 1990s. Trump has consistently denied these claims, calling them a “hoax” and a “con job.” The $5 million verdict stemmed from Trump’s statements in 2022 dismissing Carroll’s allegations as false. While the jury did not find Trump guilty of rape, they did determine that he had sexually abused and defamed Carroll.
After the Supreme Court’s initial denial of Trump’s appeal, Carroll received nearly $5.63 million from Trump, including the original $5 million verdict plus interest. Trump’s lawyers have raised concerns that the issue of presidential immunity in the $83.3 million case could impact the previous verdict. However, the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision affirming immunity for former presidents in criminal prosecutions related to their official duties does not directly apply to civil cases like those involving Carroll and Trump.