Donald Trump to Pay $83.3M in Defamation Case by E. Jean Carroll

A New York jury has directed former President Donald Trump to pay $83.3 million to advice columnist E. Jean Carroll for defamation. The jury found Trump liable for tarnishing Carroll‘s credibility after she accused him of sexual assault.

The award breakdown includes $65 million in punitive damages, $11 million for damage to Carroll‘s reputation, and an additional $7.3 million. While this marks the second time Trump has been ordered to compensate Carroll, he is expected to appeal the verdict.

Judge Lewis Kaplan had previously ruled that Trump defamed Carroll before the trial began. The jury’s role was to determine the amount of compensation, not the liability.

In response to the verdict, the Trump 2024 campaign issued a statement claiming the trial is a “political weapon,” with plans for an appeal. Trump denounced the decision, labeling it a part of a “Joe Biden Directed Witch Hunt.”

This ruling follows Trump‘s recent victory in the New Hampshire primary, solidifying his position as the GOP front-runner. Concurrently, Trump faces other legal challenges, including a civil trial in New York that could lead to a $250 million payout for fraudulent business practices.

The defamation case originated in 2019 when Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault, leading to a lawsuit. The recent jury decision highlights the ongoing legal battles faced by the former president on multiple fronts.