The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Donald Trump’s appeal of the $5 million E. Jean Carroll verdict, leaving the sexual abuse and defamation judgment intact. The court gave no explanation, and no dissents were noted.
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Donald Trump’s appeal of the $5 million verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s sexual abuse case, leaving the judgment in place.
The court did not explain its decision, and the reporting reviewed noted no dissents. The denial closes off Trump’s latest path to overturn the earlier of the two Carroll judgments.
What the verdict covered
A jury in May 2023 found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, but not for rape. The award in that case totaled $5 million.
Trump’s legal team had argued to the Supreme Court that the trial court allowed improper evidence, including testimony from two other women who accused him of sexual abuse. The justices declined to take up the case.
Trump’s response and the broader fight
Trump responded on Truth Social that he would keep fighting and described the case as “weaponization” and “lawfare,” according to reporting reviewed for this story.
The ruling does not end Carroll’s legal fight with Trump. A separate $83.3 million defamation judgment for Carroll remains in the appeals process in lower courts.
The Supreme Court’s move also leaves open the question of whether and when lower courts will begin enforcement steps on the $5 million judgment.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.