TOPLINE: Former President Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million in Damages to E. Jean Carroll for Defamation
After years of litigation, a jury ruled on Friday that former President Donald Trump must pay $83.3 million in damages to writer E. Jean Carroll for defaming her. This decision adds to the $5 million Trump was previously ordered to pay Carroll, marking the conclusion of a legal battle that began in November 2019 when Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault.
KEY FACTS:
- The jury’s verdict, reached after a brief deliberation, includes a $65 million award for punitive damages and $18.3 million in compensatory damages.
- Carroll initially sued Trump for defamation in November 2019, claiming he defamed her by denying allegations of sexual assault and stating she wasn’t his “type.”
- A second lawsuit in November 2022 included defamation and sexual assault allegations, leading to a trial in May 2023 where the jury ruled in favor of Carroll for assault and defamation but not rape.
- The recent trial, starting on January 16, focused on determining damages, considering Trump’s prior liability for defamation and sexual assault.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
- Trump has appealed the verdict of the first trial and may likely do the same for this ruling. However, he must first turn over the awarded amount, as done in the initial case, while awaiting the appeal process. Trump’s continued social media attacks on Carroll raise questions about potential future defamation claims.
FORBES VALUATION:
- As of October, Forbes estimated Trump’s net worth at $2.6 billion, with around $426 million in cash and liquid assets. The source of funds for the payout to Carroll remains uncertain, whether from reserves or Trump’s Save America PAC, which reported $3.7 million in cash on hand as of June 30.
TANGENT:
- Another significant payment may be looming for Trump in a civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The verdict, expected soon, involves allegations of fraudulent misstatements about asset values for personal gain, with James seeking approximately $370 million plus interest.
KEY BACKGROUND:
- Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault in 2019, leading to a defamation lawsuit in November that year. The case faced delays as a second lawsuit unfolded, and Trump attempted to dismiss the first case, claiming presidential immunity. Carroll is among several women making allegations against Trump, but hers is the only one to go to trial.