The U.S. Nbcnews has declined for a second time to hear President Donald Trump’s appeal of a jury verdict that awarded $5 million to writer E. Jean Carroll for sexual abuse and defamation. Trump had already paid the $5 million dollars, plus interest.
The AP News on Monday rejected a long-shot push from President Donald Trump to reconsider its refusal to take up his appeal in one of two civil cases he lost to writer E. Jean Carroll. The justices issued a routine order list denying the rehearing petition without offering an explanation, following a path that is typical for such orders.
Trump had already turned over the required funds.
Origins of the Litigation in New York
The underlying legal battle stems from a federal lawsuit Carroll filed in New York City. Carroll, a longtime advice columnist and former television talk show host, testified during a 2023 trial that Trump attacked her inside the dressing room of Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store situated across the street from Trump Tower in Manhattan, during an encounter in the mid-1990s.
The lawsuit resulted in the jury finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll the $5 million judgment. The defamation claims specifically tied to statements Trump made about her allegations between his two presidential terms, during which he characterized her claims as a con job
and a hoax
while denying any personal acquaintance with her.
Trump’s Legal Strategy and the Rehearing Request
Following the initial June refusal by the high court to hear his case, Trump’s defense team pursued an unusual procedural maneuver by asking the justices to reconsider their decision. Rehearing petitions are almost never granted, and none of the justices had indicated interest in taking up the case when the initial petition was denied in June.
Trump had already turned over the $5 million dollars, plus interest.
The Second Defamation Verdict and Immunity Claims
While this $5 million case reaches its conclusion at the Supreme Court, a separate legal dispute between the same parties remains active on the court’s docket. That second case stems from comments Trump made while serving as president during his first term, which resulted in a separate jury verdict totaling $83 million.
Trump and the Justice Department are asking the high court to toss out that second judgment, arguing that he is immune from being sued over statements made while he held office. The Supreme Court has not yet acted on that separate appeal, with the court not set to act on that appeal until later this year.
Public Statements From Legal Teams and Political Allies
Trump has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, denying any wrongdoing or prior contact with Carroll.
