The Supreme Court has declined to hear President Donald Trump’s appeal of a $5 million civil judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll, thereby upholding a jury verdict that found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. This decision brings an end to President Trump's efforts to overturn the May 2023 verdict in a case stemming from Carroll's allegations of a sexual assault in the mid-1990s at a Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York City.
"Surprisingly, the Supreme Court declined to ‘review’ a Fake Case brought against me by a woman I never met" — President Donald Trump, Truth Social Post
Following the Supreme Court’s announcement, President Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, sharply criticizing Carroll and the legal proceedings. He wrote, “Surprisingly, the Supreme Court declined to ‘review’ a Fake Case brought against me by a woman I never met,” reiterating his denial of Carroll’s allegations. President Trump further described the lawsuit as “lawfare” and contended that New York lawmakers had specifically altered state law to target him. He vowed to "keep fighting what he calls a case of ‘lawfare’ with all of my power and strength."
E. Jean Carroll filed her lawsuit in 2022 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, a temporary measure that allowed individuals who allege sexual abuse to pursue civil claims that would otherwise have been barred by the statute of limitations. Carroll alleged that President Trump sexually assaulted her in the spring of 1996 and subsequently defamed her by repeatedly denying her claims and accusing her of fabricating the story. After a trial in federal court, a jury found President Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, though not for rape under New York law. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.
According to court records, President Trump had deposited approximately $5.5 million into a court-controlled account following the initial verdict, as his appeals process commenced. With the Supreme Court declining to hear the case, Carroll is now expected to receive these funds. The Supreme Court, as is its common practice when denying review, did not provide an explanation for its decision to decline the appeal.
President Trump’s legal team had previously argued that the trial judge improperly allowed jurors to hear testimony from two other women who had accused President Trump of sexual misconduct. They also contended that the judge erred by permitting the jury to view the 2005 "Access Hollywood" recording, in which President Trump made controversial comments about women. Federal appeals courts had previously rejected these arguments, concluding that the trial judge had not committed reversible error. Additionally, President Trump’s attorneys asserted that requiring him to continue defending the lawsuit interfered with his responsibilities as president.
It is important to note that the Supreme Court’s action pertains solely to the $5 million judgment. President Trump is currently appealing a separate civil verdict in favor of Carroll, in which a jury awarded her $83.3 million. This larger award was granted after a jury found President Trump repeatedly defamed Carroll through statements made while he was president. With accrued interest, that judgment has reportedly grown to exceed $100 million. President Trump continues to deny all allegations made by Carroll and has pledged to continue challenging the remaining judgment through the courts.
The White House has not yet issued a comment regarding the Supreme Court’s decision. Meanwhile, President Trump’s legal team is anticipated to pursue further appellate options in the separate defamation case involving the larger damages award. This Supreme Court decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battles involving President Trump and E. Jean Carroll, confirming a key civil judgment against him.
