The United States Supreme Court declined President Donald Trump’s appeal of a $5 million US verdict favoring E. Jean Carroll, a former magazine columnist, who accused him of sexual abuse and defamation. The court rejected Trump’s request to review their previous decision in June regarding the 2023 jury verdict, which stemmed from allegations of rape in the 1990s. Trump’s legal team argued that the trial was unfair.
The Supreme Court’s order, issued without explanation, is a rare occurrence as they seldom grant requests for reconsideration. Additionally, the justices are considering Trump’s appeal of another $83.3 million US defamation verdict related to Carroll’s claims during his presidency.
Trump’s lawyers assert that presidential immunity protects him from Carroll’s accusations and challenge the lower courts’ decision on this matter. The legal dispute with Carroll began in 2019 when she alleged that Trump raped her in a Manhattan department store, which Trump vehemently denied.
The $5 million US verdict resulted from Trump’s remarks in 2022, where he dismissed Carroll’s claims as a “hoax” and a “con job” on social media. Jurors found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation but did not support the rape allegation.
After the Supreme Court’s denial in June, Carroll received almost $5.63 million US from Trump, including the initial civil verdict amount plus interest. Trump’s legal team raised concerns about the potential impact of the presidential immunity issue on both the 2023 verdict and the pending $83.3 million US case.
In a significant 2024 ruling, the Supreme Court established full immunity for former presidents in criminal prosecutions for actions taken within their constitutional powers while in office. The Carroll cases involve civil lawsuits and are distinct from criminal matters.