A federal appeals court in New York has upheld the $83.3 million judgment against former President Donald Trump for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll in 2019.

Trump’s Immunity Argument Rejected

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Trump was not entitled to presidential immunity when he denied Carroll’s allegations and disparaged her publicly. Judges said the district court acted properly and that the jury’s damages were “fair and reasonable.”

Reckless Disregard for the Truth

The three-judge panel found Trump acted with reckless disregard for the truth when he called Carroll a liar and said she was not his type. They noted his comments, viewed by over 85 million people, led to a wave of online abuse and death threats against Carroll.

Damages Upheld

The court affirmed $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages, rejecting Trump’s claim the award was excessive. The opinion emphasized his repeated and escalating attacks against Carroll over nearly five years of litigation.

Carroll’s Legal Victory

Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, said the ruling confirms “E. Jean Carroll was telling the truth, and that President Donald Trump was not.” She added the damages reflect the serious harm Carroll endured from threats and harassment.

Previous Judgment

This decision follows a separate 2023 jury ruling that found Trump liable for sexually assaulting Carroll and defaming her again in 2022, which awarded her $5 million. That judgment also withstood Trump’s appeal.

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