Donald Trump's $83 million defamation payment to E. Jean Carroll has been paused, pending a review by the U.S. Supreme Court, as his legal team seeks to overturn the massive award.
Former President Donald Trump will not immediately have to pay the $83 million defamation award granted to E. Jean Carroll. A recent court entry confirmed that the payment is stayed, allowing the U.S. Supreme Court time to consider or reject an appeal from Trump's legal counsel. Trump's attorney, Justin D. Smith, stated there's a 'fair prospect' the Supreme Court will rule in Trump's favor, as Trump continues to dismiss Carroll's 2019 claims of a 1996 sexual assault as a 'made up scam.' The $83 million award was determined by a jury that observed Trump's testimony and demeanor over several days. The 2nd Circuit panel had previously upheld the verdict, citing Trump's sustained attacks against Carroll, which intensified as the trial approached and even continued during the proceedings. The appeals court highlighted Trump's declaration during the trial that he would continue to defame Carroll 'a thousand times.' This award builds upon a May 2023 jury finding that concluded Trump sexually abused Carroll and defamed her, resulting in a $5 million award. Trump is challenging the $83 million verdict on multiple grounds, including a claim of 'absolute immunity' for statements made while he was president, and alleging that Carroll's motivations were politically driven or intended to promote her memoir.
