The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from former President Donald Trump regarding a $5 million verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll and subsequently defaming her. The high court's decision, issued without explanation on Monday, means the substantial judgment remains enforced.
In 2023, a federal jury determined that Trump had sexually abused Carroll in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in 1996. The jury also found him liable for defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million. A separate legal proceeding in 2024 resulted in another jury awarding Carroll $83.3 million in a distinct defamation case, stemming from Trump’s public denials and criticisms following her initial allegations.
Trump Expresses Surprise and Vows Continued Fight
Following the Supreme Court's announcement, Trump reacted on social media, expressing astonishment at the ruling.
“Surprisingly, the Supreme Court declined to ‘review’ a Fake Case brought against me by a woman I never met (Decades old celebrity photo line, standing with her husband, does not count!),” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He further stated, “I will continue the fight against this Weaponization and Lawfare Case against me, including the ridiculous claim of Defamation, with all of my power and strength.”
Trump also framed the legal battle as a broader assault, asserting, “This Case is really against the United States of America, and all it stands for, and should never be allowed to happen to another President, or Candidate to be!”
He additionally criticized New York state lawmakers, alleging they specifically crafted a statute to target him. “New York State created a Law, for an instant speck of time, going back many decades, in order to wrongfully ‘nab’ me,” he claimed. “It was tailor-made, and this Injustice cannot be allowed to stand!”
Legal Arguments and Rebuttals
Attorneys representing Trump had contended that the trial judge, Lewis Kaplan, had made errors by admitting certain evidence. Their arguments included that federal evidence rules were violated by allowing the jury to hear the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, in which Trump is heard discussing grabbing women, and by permitting testimony from two other women who had accused Trump of sexual assault, allegations which Trump has consistently denied.
Conversely, Carroll's legal team asserted that the testimony from the other women was highly relevant due to the similarities in their allegations. They also emphasized that Judge Kaplan’s evidentiary rulings were consistent with established legal precedents across the country.
Statements from Legal Counsel
Roberta Kaplan, the attorney for E. Jean Carroll, issued a statement affirming the significance of the Supreme Court's decision.
“Today’s Supreme Court decision affirms once and for all the jury’s unanimous verdict that President Donald J. Trump sexually assaulted and defamed E. Jean Carroll. His multiple efforts to appeal that verdict have all failed, and today’s ruling ends his quest to avoid accountability for his actions,” she stated.
Separately, Trump’s legal team released their own statement, echoing his claims of political targeting.
“The American People stand with President Trump as they demand an immediate end to all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded travesty of the Carroll Hoaxes. President Trump will keep winning against Liberal Lawfare, as he continues to focus on his mission to Make America Great Again,” the statement read.
