Landmark Trump Defamation Verdict Upheld: Appeals Court Affirms $83.3 Million Award for E. Jean Carroll

The Appeals Court Decision

In a significant legal development, a federal appeals court has resoundingly rejected former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the substantial $83.3 million defamation verdict awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll. This pivotal decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously affirms the original judgment, solidifying accountability for public figures who engage in defamatory statements. The court emphasized that Trump’s persistent and false denials of Carroll’s sexual assault allegations fully justified the significant damages, sending a clear message about the consequences of damaging reputations with baseless claims.

Background of the Trump-Carroll Defamation Lawsuits

Genesis of the Legal Battle

The legal battle between Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll originated from her 2019 accusation that Trump sexually assaulted her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room during the mid-1990s. In 2022, Carroll initiated a defamation lawsuit, asserting that Trump’s repeated public denials—including labeling her a liar—severely damaged her reputation. A jury sided with Carroll in May 2023, awarding her $5 million for both sexual abuse and defamation.

The Second Defamation Trial

The second defamation trial, which concluded in January 2024, specifically addressed Trump’s post-verdict statements, where he continued his attacks on Carroll’s credibility. This jury found him liable for additional defamation, leading to the substantial $83.3 million award—a sum intended to reflect the severe impact of his ongoing public disparagement.

The Appeals Court Ruling: Upholding Justice Against Trump’s Defamation Claims

Trump's Appeal and Rejection

Trump’s appeal contended that Judge Lewis Kaplan exhibited bias and that the awarded damages were excessive. However, the 2nd Circuit appeals court unanimously dismissed these arguments, firmly affirming:

Key Findings of the Court

No judicial bias existed—Judge Kaplan demonstrated fairness in his presiding over the legal ruling.

The damages were justified—Trump’s statements clearly showed actual malice, a critical standard in defamation cases involving public figures, indicating he either knew his statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

The jury’s decision was strongly supported by evidence, including Trump’s documented history of public attacks on Carroll following the initial jury verdict.

Justification for the Substantial $83.3 Million Defamation Award

Compensatory and Punitive Damages Explained

The appeals court meticulously upheld the damages awarded as both compensatory (to account for the reputational and emotional harm suffered by E. Jean Carroll) and punitive (designed to deter Trump from similar future misconduct). The legal ruling specifically noted that Trump’s persistent false statements caused significant and lasting damage to Carroll’s career and public standing, thus warranting the substantial financial penalty.

Implications of the Trump Defamation Ruling and Future Outlook

Legal Ramifications for Trump

This unanimous decision by the 2nd Circuit appeals court represents a major legal setback for Donald Trump, powerfully reinforcing that defamation laws apply equally to even the most high-profile individuals. While Trump retains the option to appeal this legal ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, many legal experts consider the likelihood of that court reviewing the jury verdict to be quite low.

Broader Impact and Precedent

For Trump, the significant financial and reputational consequences of this defamation case extend beyond the immediate damages, potentially impacting his ongoing political aspirations and business ventures. For E. Jean Carroll, the ruling provides a profound validation of her sexual assault claims and sets a crucial precedent, underscoring the importance of holding powerful figures accountable for defamatory statements and upholding justice.