Carroll Secures $5.8M Award
Federal Judge Orders $5.8 Million Payment to E. Jean Carroll in Trump Sexual Abuse Case
A federal judge has ordered that E. Jean Carroll receive the $5.8 million set aside after a jury found President Donald Trump sexually abused and defamed her, according to NH Register. The ruling came after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Trump's appeal of the verdict, clearing the way for Carroll to finally collect the money.
The $5.8 million, plus interest accrued since the original verdict, will be added on top of the $83 million a separate jury already awarded Carroll, according to WTOP. Combined, the total judgments against Trump now exceed $88 million.
How Carroll's $5.8 Million Verdict Was Won
A jury found that Trump sexually abused Carroll in a New York department store dressing room in 1996 and later defamed her when he denied it publicly. That jury awarded Carroll $5.8 million in damages. Trump appealed the decision, which held up the payment while courts reviewed the case, according to SFGate.
The money was set aside — held in a separate account — while the appeal worked its way through the courts. Once the Supreme Court refused to take up the case, the last legal barrier to paying Carroll was removed, according to Audacy.
Supreme Court Refusal Sealed Trump's Legal Defeat
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision not to hear Trump's appeal was the turning point. When the nation's highest court turns down a case, the lower court ruling stands. That meant the $5.8 million verdict against Trump became final, according to Durango Herald.
Trump had sought to overturn the verdict at every level of the court system. His effort failed at each step. The Supreme Court's refusal ended his options to fight this particular judgment, according to Stamford Advocate.
Carroll's Total Winnings Now Top $88 Million
The $5.8 million is not Carroll's only award against Trump. A separate jury granted her $83 million in a second defamation trial. That case focused on statements Trump made while running for president. Added together, Carroll has won more than $88 million in judgments, according to Beaumont Enterprise.
Interest has been growing on the $5.8 million since the original verdict date. That means Carroll will collect more than just the base amount. The exact total, including interest, will be calculated as part of the payment process, according to My Journal Courier.
What Comes Next for Trump and Carroll
Trump is currently serving as president and has consistently denied Carroll's allegations. He has called the verdicts unfair and politically motivated. However, courts at every level — including the Supreme Court — have refused to undo the jury findings against him, according to WTOP.
For Carroll, the federal judge's order means the long legal fight to actually receive the $5.8 million is effectively over. Collecting the $83 million from the second trial may still involve further legal steps, according to NH Register.
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