Writer E. Jean Carroll has officially received more than $5.6 million from U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a major development in one of the most closely watched civil legal battles in recent American history.
The payment follows a jury verdict three years ago that found Trump liable for sexually assaulting and defaming Carroll. The funds were released after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the judgment to be executed despite Trump’s continued legal efforts to challenge the ruling.
According to federal court records, Carroll received a wire transfer totaling $5,625,005.48, covering the original damages awarded by the jury along with accrued interest.
Court Authorizes Release of Funds
The transfer was approved by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan after the Supreme Court rejected an application from Trump’s legal team seeking to prevent the payment.
Trump’s lawyers had argued that the money should remain in escrow while they pursued a petition for rehearing. However, the request was unsuccessful, and the funds were transferred to Carroll’s legal representatives in accordance with the court’s order.
The payment has now been officially recorded on the federal court docket.
Carroll Plans to Preserve the Money for Retirement
Court filings submitted by Carroll’s attorneys state that the 82-year-old author intends to place the money in an interest-bearing account while awaiting the outcome of Trump’s remaining legal options.
According to the filings, the funds will be preserved to support Carroll’s retirement until the legal proceedings are completely exhausted.
Her attorneys also confirmed they will not receive contingency fees from this particular damages award.
Attorney Welcomes Completion of Payment
Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, described the payment as an important milestone in a legal battle that has lasted several years.
She said:
“Three years ago, a unanimous nine-person jury found President Trump liable for sexually assaulting and defaming E. Jean Carroll. Today, we are pleased to report that she has received the damages payment the jury awarded her as a result of that verdict.”
Trump Continues Legal Fight
Despite the payment being completed, Trump’s legal team continues to challenge the judgment.
His attorneys recently asked a federal appeals court to order that the money be returned to judicial escrow while broader appeals continue.
The appeals court has not yet ruled on that request, although it previously rejected an emergency application seeking to delay the release of the funds.
Trump’s lawyers are also preparing another petition to the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort to overturn the judgment.
Case Originated From Alleged 1990s Assault
The legal dispute began after Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her inside the dressing room of a New York department store during the mid-1990s.
Trump consistently denied the allegation, calling the accusation false and claiming Carroll fabricated the story to boost sales of her book.
The matter eventually proceeded to civil trial, where a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
Although the verdict did not involve criminal charges, the jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.
Second Defamation Case Increased Trump’s Financial Liability
The dispute escalated shortly after the first verdict when Trump appeared at a CNN town hall and again publicly denied Carroll’s allegations.
During the televised event, he referred to Carroll’s claims as fabricated and described her as a “whack job.”
Those comments prompted Carroll’s legal team to amend an earlier defamation lawsuit originally filed in 2019.
A second jury later concluded that Trump’s statements were defamatory and awarded Carroll an additional $83 million in damages.
Trump attended portions of that trial and briefly testified before the court.
Appeals Continue
Trump continues to challenge both judgments.
His legal team is expected to file another petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that presidential immunity should shield him from the larger defamation award.
While those appeals remain ongoing, the payment of more than $5.6 million to Carroll represents the first completed financial judgment arising from the litigation.
The outcome of Trump’s remaining appeals could determine whether any future payments are required or whether the existing judgments are modified.
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