The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn a jury verdict that found him liable for sexually assaulting writer E Jean Carroll and ordered him to pay her $5 million in damages. The high court’s decision, issued without explanation, upholds the 2023 federal civil court ruling in Manhattan.
The jury had determined that Trump sexually assaulted Carroll in a New York department store dressing room in 1996. The judgment included $2 million for the sexual assault and $3 million for defamation after Trump publicly denied the claims and called Carroll a “nut job.”
Trump responded strongly on social media, calling the case a “Fake Case” brought by a woman he claims he “never met.” He vowed to continue fighting what he described as “Weaponization and Lawfare” against him with “all of my power and strength.”
Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, stating it “affirms once and for all the jury’s unanimous verdict.” She noted that Trump’s multiple appeals have all failed, bringing accountability for his actions.
The 82-year-old Carroll first detailed the alleged incident in her 2019 book. A separate defamation case resulted in Trump being ordered to pay her an additional $83.3 million, a ruling that was also upheld on appeal.
In a new development, the US Department of Justice has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into whether Carroll lied under oath about receiving outside funding for her legal battle. Reports indicate billionaire Reid Hoffman helped cover some of her legal expenses.
This Supreme Court ruling marks another significant legal setback for the US President. It comes as his administration faces scrutiny over various legal matters involving his political opponents. The decision keeps the $5 million judgment intact and reinforces the original jury’s findings from the high-profile civil case.
