Significant Consequences Arising from the $83.3 Million Judgment Against Donald Trump.
In a significant legal ruling, a jury found former President Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in May 2023, ordering him to pay E. Jean Carroll $5 million in damages. The verdict was upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on July 10, 2025, after Trump's appeal was rejected[1][2].
The punitive damages awarded to Carroll totaled $65 million, eight times higher than her initial claim. This substantial penalty reflects the jury's belief in the need for a deterrent to Trump's ongoing attacks[1]. In response, Carroll posted a screenshot of CNBC's coverage on social media, expressing her satisfaction with the outcome[1][2].
Trump's spokesperson criticized the ruling, claiming it to be a "political weaponization of our justice system" and referring to Carroll's claims as "Democrat-funded Carroll Hoaxes." The matter was initially handled by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi[1].
Trump has 90 days from the appellate court decision to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to consider his appeal, which would be the final legal avenue for challenging the $5 million liability[1]. However, there is no indication yet that the Supreme Court will take up the case. Legal experts involved in Carroll's defense hope the matter is concluded with this ruling[2].
The defamation trial took place in a courtroom where cameras were not permitted, forcing Trump to express his views on social media. During the trial, Trump was admonished for speaking audibly and exceeding the allotted time for testimony[1]. Trump's attorney argued that Carroll would have faced hateful messages regardless of Trump's statements, but the presiding judge, Lewis Kaplan, displayed little patience and warned of potential time in custody[1].
The verdict represents a major setback for Trump, who is currently facing various criminal and civil cases. The pattern of judicial frustration with Trump's legal team is consistent with previous trials. The trial emphasized the need for substantial damages to deter Trump from continuing defamatory behavior[1]. The verdict sends a powerful message that a jury of ordinary citizens did not side with Trump.
Sources: [1] CNN, "Donald Trump ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in defamation case," 11 July 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/11/politics/donald-trump-e-jean-carroll-defamation-case/index.html [2] The New York Times, "Donald Trump Loses Appeal in Defamation Case Brought by E. Jean Carroll," 11 July 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/politics/donald-trump-e-jean-carroll-defamation-case.html
- The substantial penalty in the defamation case, amounting to $65 million, has been criticized by Trump's spokesperson as a politically motivated weaponization of the justice system, suggesting a connection between the legal proceedings and politics.
- As Trump faces various criminal and civil cases, the verdict in the Carroll defamation case, which orders him to pay $5 million in damages, represents a significant moral victory in the realm of general news and crime-and-justice, signifying that a jury of ordinary citizens did not side with him.
