A federal appeals court has rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt to review a $5 million judgment against him for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. Carroll, a former magazine columnist, accused Trump of raping her in the 1990s and defaming her when he denied the claim. The court ruled in December against Trump, who sought a full court reconsideration but was rejected, leaving the Supreme Court as his next option.
The jury found Trump liable for battery based on the sexual assault claim, ordering him to pay $2 million for civil battery and nearly $3 million for defamation. While the jury found Trump guilty of sexual abuse, they did not find evidence to support the rape claim. Trump denied all allegations, calling the verdict a “total disgrace” and criticizing the justice system’s politicization.
Two judges dissented from the order, agreeing with Trump’s argument that prior bad acts evidence, including the Access Hollywood tape, was prejudicial. They criticized the verdict as based on impermissible character evidence and few reliable facts. The dissenting judges were both appointed by Trump in his first term.
The case continues to attract attention and controversy, with Trump’s legal team vowing to appeal and emphasizing the need to end what they call “Witch Hunts” and political manipulation of the justice system.
