Federal Judge Rejects Trump’s Request to Delay $83.3 Million Judgment
Former President Donald Trump has been dealt another blow as a federal judge rejected his request to delay the enforcement of an $83.3 million judgment he owes to writer E. Jean Carroll. This decision means that Trump must post a bond or put up cash by Monday to satisfy the judgment.
Facing a severe cash crunch, Trump has been seeking to postpone payments on the significant penalties he owes following two recent courtroom losses in New York. In January, a jury ordered him to pay Carroll $83 million for defaming her, and last month, a separate civil fraud trial concluded with a judge ordering him to pay penalties totaling at least $450 million.
To prevent the enforcement of the judgment while he appeals, Trump must provide cash or bonds by Monday. His attorneys have filed a motion to delay the judgment or at least allow him to post a bond that is “a fraction of the amount of the judgment.”
However, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who presided over the Carroll case, denied Trump’s request, stating that his side had not shown what expenses he might incur if he had to post a bond. Kaplan also suggested that Trump’s “current situation” was self-inflicted, as he had ample time since January 26 to organize his finances in preparation for this bond requirement.
Roberta Kaplan, an attorney for Carroll, declined to comment on the judge’s order, while Alina Habba, an attorney for Trump, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This latest development adds to Trump’s mounting legal challenges as he seeks another Republican presidential nomination and a potential rematch with President Biden. Alongside his political ambitions, he is also dealing with four criminal cases, including one in New York set to go to trial this month.
In addition to the Carroll case, Trump is seeking to delay the enforcement of over half a billion dollars he owes following a separate civil lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. She accused him and others of committing financial fraud over several years, and a New York Supreme Court Justice ordered him to pay at least $450 million in penalties.
Trump’s attempts to delay these judgments have so far been unsuccessful, as an appeals court judge denied his request and a full panel is expected to review the case soon.
Trump’s attorneys in the Carroll case have argued that his post-trial motions will significantly reduce or even eliminate the amount he owes. However, Judge Kaplan has not expedited his decision, stating that a ruling will be made “as promptly as is reasonably possible.”
As the clock continues to tick, Trump finds himself under increasing pressure to fulfill his financial obligations and navigate the complex legal landscape that lies ahead. Only time will tell how these legal battles will impact his political aspirations and the future of his business empire.
