The E. Jean Carroll verdict once again made headlines today after a federal appeals court upheld the $83.3 million defamation award against former President Donald Trump. The ruling rejected Trump’s arguments that presidential immunity should protect him from the case, solidifying one of the most consequential civil judgments tied to his conduct.
Background of the Case
E. Jean Carroll, a longtime advice columnist and author, publicly accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Trump denied the allegation after Carroll went public in 2019, calling her story false and insulting her credibility. Carroll then filed a defamation lawsuit, arguing that his repeated disparaging remarks caused lasting harm to her reputation and career.
In 2023, a Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her in his denials. That first case resulted in a $5 million judgment. A second defamation trial, focusing on additional comments he made after the first verdict, followed in January 2024.
The $83.3 Million Award
During the second trial, jurors concluded that Trump’s repeated attacks went beyond standard political speech and were intentionally malicious. They awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages, which included compensation for emotional distress as well as a significant punitive award meant to deter similar conduct in the future. The size of the verdict reflected the jury’s view that Trump’s actions were not only harmful but also dangerous in their potential to intimidate victims of assault from coming forward.
Trump’s Appeal
Trump appealed the verdict, citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision that expanded presidential immunity protections for actions taken while in office. His lawyers argued that his statements about Carroll were part of his duties as president and therefore shielded from civil liability. They also challenged the size of the damages, calling them excessive and unfair.
The Appeals Court Decision
On September 8, 2025, the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected Trump’s appeal. The three-judge panel ruled that his statements were personal, defamatory, and made with actual malice. The court also determined that the damages were “fair and reasonable” given the scope of harm Carroll endured. By declining to apply immunity in this case, the court reinforced the principle that presidents are not above accountability when it comes to personal misconduct and false public statements.
Why the Ruling Matters
The affirmation of the E. Jean Carroll verdict carries weight well beyond the courtroom. It underscores that even those who hold the highest office in the nation can face legal consequences for defamatory actions. For Trump, it is a significant setback as he continues his political ambitions. The financial burden of the judgment, along with the reputational damage, adds to the mounting legal challenges he faces on multiple fronts.
Timeline of Key Developments
- 2019 – Carroll publishes allegations of assault.
- 2023 – First trial leads to a $5 million verdict.
- January 2024 – Jury awards $83.3 million in second defamation case.
- June 2025 – Appeal of the $5 million verdict rejected.
- September 8, 2025 – Appeal of the $83.3 million verdict rejected.
What Comes Next
Trump’s legal team is expected to petition the U.S. Supreme Court in hopes of overturning both verdicts. Whether the Court takes up the case will determine the future of the litigation. For Carroll, the latest ruling is a strong validation of her claims and her persistence in seeking accountability. Her attorneys praised the decision, saying it protects victims of harassment and defamation from powerful figures who seek to silence them.
Public Impact
The case has drawn wide public attention because it combines issues of sexual assault, defamation, presidential power, and accountability. It has also been closely followed as a test of whether individuals can hold former presidents responsible for their personal actions. Many legal experts believe the ruling could set an important precedent limiting the scope of immunity for future officeholders.
The E. Jean Carroll verdict has now been upheld twice on appeal, making it one of the most significant legal defeats for Donald Trump in recent years. As the case potentially heads toward the Supreme Court, it will continue to shape national conversations about justice, accountability, and the balance of power in American democracy. Readers will be watching closely for the next developments in this high-stakes legal battle.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available court records and verified news reports as of September 8, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult official court documents or trusted legal sources for further details.