A federal appeals court has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s $83 million defamation payment to writer E. Jean Carroll, extending a legal battle that began with allegations dating back to the 1990s. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued the stay Monday, conditioning it on Trump posting an increased bond of nearly $100 million to cover accruing interest while the case potentially advances to the Supreme Court.
The Origin of the $83 Million Judgment
Carroll filed her defamation lawsuit after Trump denied her allegations that he sexually abused her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room during the 1990s. Carroll could not specify the exact date or year of the alleged incident. In May 2023, a Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. The appeals court upheld that verdict in 2024. A separate defamation case in January 2024 resulted in the $83.3 million judgment now under appeal.
Court Conditions for Payment Delay
The appeals court granted Trump’s request to pause enforcement of the $83 million award until the Supreme Court either reviews the case or declines to hear it. Carroll’s legal team did not object to the stay, provided Trump increases his bond by $7.46 million to account for interest accumulation during the extended legal proceedings. Trump’s attorney Roberta Kaplan noted the total bond now exceeds $91 million. The court rejected Trump’s claims of immunity regarding his 2019 statements about Carroll.
What Happens Next
Trump’s legal team plans to petition the Supreme Court for review of the defamation award. The case centers on whether the former president should have immunity protection for statements made while in office. Carroll’s attorneys expressed satisfaction with the bond increase requirement, ensuring their client’s eventual payment grows with interest. Legal experts anticipate Supreme Court proceedings could extend well into 2026, meaning Carroll may wait months or longer before receiving any payment from the judgment.
The Broader Legal Picture
This case represents one of several ongoing legal challenges facing Trump. The former president has consistently denied all allegations, calling Carroll’s claims false and politically motivated. The jury in the original trial determined Carroll proved sexual abuse occurred but did not find sufficient evidence to prove rape. Trump’s defense strategy has focused on challenging both the factual basis of Carroll’s allegations and the legal framework allowing decades-old claims to proceed without specific dates or corroborating physical evidence.
