Federal Judge Orders Trump to Pay $83.3 Million to E. Jean Carroll by Monday
Former President Donald Trump has been ordered by a federal judge to pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million by Monday or post bond, after a federal jury decided in January that Trump must pay more than $83 million in damages to Carroll. This comes after Trump denied allegations that he raped Carroll in the 1990s.
The jury’s decision included $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages. Trump has appealed the decision, but Judge Lewis A. Kaplan has demanded that he pay the damages by Monday.
“Mr. Trump’s current situation is a result of his own dilatory actions,” Kaplan wrote, criticizing Trump for waiting until 25 days after the jury verdict to organize his finances. Kaplan also noted that Trump has not provided any information about potential expenses or how he could secure payment of the judgment.
Following the ruling, Trump’s campaign communications director Steven Cheung criticized the decision, calling it a “continuation of a totally lawless Witch Hunt.” Cheung expressed hope for vindication and stated that Trump had filed a motion to stay the judgment.
Trump’s legal team has also filed motions for a new trial, arguing that the court limited his testimony during the trial last month. They claim that Trump’s statements about Carroll’s allegations were made to defend his reputation, protect his family, and defend his presidency.
In a previous trial, a federal jury in New York City determined that Trump was not liable for rape but was liable for sexual abuse and defamation, ordering him to pay $5 million in damages. Trump expressed his disagreement with both verdicts and vowed to appeal, stating that the legal system is being used as a political weapon.
Carroll accused Trump of raping her at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan in 1996 and sought $12 million in damages. Trump has vehemently denied the allegation, leading Carroll to file a defamation lawsuit against him.
The jury found that Trump’s statements while in the White House in June 2019 had caused harm to Carroll’s reputation and awarded her $7.3 million in compensatory damages. They also awarded her $11 million for a reputational repair program and $65 million in punitive damages, bringing the total amount to $83.3 million.
This ongoing legal battle between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump continues to make headlines, with both sides firmly standing their ground. As the deadline for payment approaches, it remains to be seen how this high-profile case will unfold.
