Appeals court upholds $5 million judgment against Trump in E. Jean Carroll case, sparking renewed claims of political persecution.
At a Glance
- Federal appeals court upholds $5 million civil judgment against Donald Trump in E. Jean Carroll case
- Trump found liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and defaming her after she went public
- Trump denies allegations, claims verdict is “grossly excessive” and cites unfair rulings by trial judge
- Trump spokesperson calls for end to “political weaponization” of justice system
- Trump faces separate $83 million defamation judgment related to Carroll case
Court Rejects Trump’s Appeal in Carroll Case
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a $5 million civil judgment against former President Donald Trump in the case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The court rejected Trump’s appeal, stating he failed to demonstrate any errors that affected his substantial rights during the trial. This decision marks a significant setback for Trump, who has consistently denied the allegations and claimed the case is part of a broader pattern of political persecution.
The case stems from Carroll’s lawsuit alleging Trump sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan department store in 1996 and later defamed her by calling her claims a “hoax” and a “con job.” A jury found Trump liable for both sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. Trump did not testify or present a defense case during the trial, a strategy that has now come under scrutiny following the appeal’s failure.
A federal appeals court denied Donald Trump’s request for a new trial in New York writer E. Jean Carroll’s sexual abuse lawsuit, dealing a blow to the president-elect as he seeks to put his legal woes behind him before taking office. https://t.co/cNKV2HyeJp
— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) December 30, 2024
Trump’s Response and Claims of Political Witch Hunt
In response to the appeals court decision, Trump’s camp has doubled down on claims of political persecution. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung issued a statement criticizing the ruling and calling for an end to what he described as the political weaponization of the justice system.
“The American People have re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed,” said Cheung.
This statement reflects Trump’s longstanding narrative that he is the target of politically motivated legal actions aimed at discrediting him and hindering his political aspirations. The former president has consistently referred to various legal challenges against him as “witch hunts”.
Legal Implications and Future Challenges
The appeals court’s decision not only upholds the $5 million judgment but also validates the trial court’s evidentiary rulings. One key point of contention in Trump’s appeal was the inclusion of testimony from two other women who alleged Trump had sexually accosted them. The appeals court found this evidence relevant, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving similar allegations.
“We conclude that Mr. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings. Further, he has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial,” the ruling said.
Additionally, Trump is appealing an $83 million defamation judgment in a separate case related to alleged defamatory comments he made about Carroll. These ongoing legal battles continue to loom over Trump’s second presidential term as he prepares to take office.
