A federal judge has ruled that over $5 million in damages awarded to E. Jean Carroll must be released to her following a 2023 civil jury verdict that found former President Donald Trump liable for both sexual abuse and defamation. The funds, which had been held in a court-controlled account for nearly three years, are now set to be transferred to Carroll, though the exact timing remains uncertain. This decision comes despite last-minute objections from Trump’s legal team, who sought to keep the money in escrow pending further appeals.
The dispute originated from a jury trial that concluded in 2023, where a unanimous panel determined that Trump had sexually assaulted Carroll during a 1990s encounter in a department store. The jury also found Trump responsible for defamation based on his public denials of the incident, including claims that he did not know Carroll and referred to her allegations as a “hoax” and a “con.” These denials formed the crux of Carroll’s defamation claim, which she pursued alongside the sexual abuse allegation.
Following the jury’s decision, Trump’s legal representatives immediately appealed the ruling, challenging the admissibility of certain evidence presented during the trial. However, the Supreme Court declined to take up the appeal in June 2026, effectively allowing the judgment to stand. Despite this, Trump continued to seek intervention from higher courts, most recently requesting that the Supreme Court reconsider its decision. His legal team argued that the constitutional implications of the case could overlap with another ongoing defamation lawsuit, in which a jury awarded Carroll over $83 million in 2024.
On July 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan issued an order mandating the immediate release of the $5 million award, along with accrued interest. The judge criticized Trump’s prolonged attempts to delay the payout, stating that it was time for him to “do equity” and fulfill the court’s judgment. The ruling followed a motion from Carroll and her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, who requested expedited processing of the funds. Kaplan described Trump’s efforts to prolong the process as “gamesmanship,” aimed at buying time to develop alternative legal strategies.
The judge also expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the Supreme Court revisiting the case, noting that such requests for rehearing are exceptionally rare. This sentiment was echoed by legal analysts, who pointed out that the Supreme Court typically avoids re-examining cases it has already dismissed unless extraordinary circumstances arise.
Carroll’s legal team emphasized the importance of receiving the funds promptly, highlighting the emotional and financial toll the protracted litigation had taken on her. They argued that the delay had caused unnecessary hardship and that the court’s mandate should be honored without further obstruction. Meanwhile, Trump’s attorneys continue to explore potential avenues for appeal, though their options appear increasingly limited given the Supreme Court’s previous refusal to intervene.
The release of the $5 million marks a significant milestone in a high-profile legal battle that has drawn national attention. It underscores the complex interplay between personal liability, constitutional protections, and the judicial system’s role in enforcing civil judgments. While the outcome of the broader legal disputes involving Trump remains uncertain, the immediate transfer of the funds represents a tangible resolution for one aspect of the case.
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CBS News (US)NeovisanProgresivnoprije 10 h Sudija je naredio oslobađanje više od 5 milijuna dolara za E. Jean Carroll u slučaju Trumpa.Savezni sudac je naredio oslobađanje odštete od 5 milijuna dolara dodijeljene piscu E. Jean Carroll u građanskom slučaju protiv bivšeg predsjednika Donalda Trumpa, presuđujući da je on godinama odgađao slučaj. Sredstva, koja su se držala na računu pod nadzorom suda tri godine, prvobitno su tražili Trumpovi odvjetnici da ostanu zamrznuta do daljnjih žalbi. Međutim, sudac je odbio Trumpov zahtjev za hitno odlaganje i odbacio njegovu žalbu, naglašavajući da je Vrhovni sud već odbio preispitati slučaj. Carrollovi odvjetnici tvrde da Trump pokušava odgoditi plaćanje proceduralnim taktikama, dok Trumpov pravni tim tvrdi da bi sredstva trebala ostati u limbu dok viši sudovi ne pruže daljnje smjernice.
Procjena pristranosti (Progresivno): U članku se navodi da je slučaj pobjeda za Carrolla i jasan primjer Trumpovih navodnih pokušaja da odgode odgovornost, koristeći izraze kao što su "odugovlačenje", "igranje" i "kupljanje vremena".
The New York Times (US)Neovisan🔒Sredinaprije 11 h Sudija je naredio da se 5 milijuna dolara Trumpove presude prepusti E. Jean CarrollFederalni sudac naredio je bivšem predsjedniku Donaldu Trumpu da oslobodi presudu od 5 milijuna dolara dodijeljenu E. Jean Carroll, koja ga je prethodno tužila zbog navodnog seksualnog zlostavljanja i klevete.
Procjena pristranosti (Sredina): Članak predstavlja pravni ishod građanskog slučaja u kojem su uključeni bivši predsjednik i privatni pojedinac, fokusirajući se na izvršenje presude.
NBC NewsNeovisanSredinaprije 12 h Sudija je naredio oslobađanje 5,8 milijuna dolara koje Trump duguje E. Jean CarrollFederalni sudac je naredio oslobađanje 5,8 milijuna dolara koje bivši predsjednik Donald Trump duguje E. Jean Carroll, ženi koja ga je tužila zbog optužbi za seksualni napad. Sud je presudio da Trump mora platiti iznos u roku od 30 dana, što je značajan pravni razvoj u slučaju.
Procjena pristranosti (Sredina): U članku se sudska odluka prikazuje kao ažurirana činjenica bez otvorene kritike ili pohvale bilo koje strane.
Bloomberg NewsNeovisan🔒Sredinaprekjučer Trump opet traži od Vrhovnog suda da blokira nagradu Carroll od 5 milijuna dolaraPredsjednik Donald Trump podnio je konačni zahtjev Vrhovnom sudu SAD-a u pokušaju da blokira presudu od 5 milijuna dolara koju je porota dodijelila pisci E. Jean Carroll.
Procjena pristranosti (Sredina): Članak predstavlja situaciju činjenično, bez očigledne pristranosti prema bilo kojoj strani.
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