Trump Loses Appeal to Overturn $5M Carroll Defamation Verdict in NY

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A New York appeals court rejected President Trump’s bid to reconsider a $5 million defamation verdict awarded to E. Jean Carroll, upholding a 2023 jury decision. The ruling, finalized on Friday, stemmed from a case where Carroll accused Trump of s-xual abuse and defamation. The court’s decision was not unanimous, with two judges dissenting. This marks another legal setback for Trump in a high-profile civil case.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan issued the ruling. It affirmed its December decision to maintain the jury’s $5 million award.

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The Context

In 2023, a New York jury found Trump liable for s-xually abusing Carroll. The jury also determined his denials defamed her, leading to the damages.

Carroll, a former magazine columnist, alleged the assault occurred in the mid-1990s. The incident reportedly took place in a Manhattan department store dressing room.

Trump has consistently denied Carroll’s allegations, calling them false. He argued the case was politically motivated, according to legal filings.

The dissenting judges, Steven Menashi and Michael Park, were appointed by Trump. They argued the majority’s ruling deviated from legal precedent.

The $5 million award included compensatory and punitive damages for Carroll. The verdict addressed both the assault and Trump’s defamatory statements.

Trump is also appealing a separate $83.3 million defamation verdict from 2024. He claims presidential immunity should shield him from liability.