Trump Surprised as Supreme Court Upholds $5M Carroll Verdict
The Supreme Court rejected Trump's appeal to overturn a $5 million defamation verdict.
Why it matters: This case marks a key moment in political and defamation law, with potential lasting legal impacts. Observers are monitoring Trump's ongoing appeals, especially a related $83.3 million defamation verdict.
- On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court declined to review Trump's appeal without explanation.
- A 2023 jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, awarding $5 million.
- Trump's team contested the verdict citing improper evidence including testimonies and the 'Access Hollywood' tape.
- Carroll's attorneys praised the decision as an affirmation of the jury's unanimous verdict.
On June 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review former President Donald Trump’s appeal seeking to overturn a $5 million civil verdict related to sexual abuse and defamation claims by writer E. Jean Carroll. This decision was issued without comment or noted dissent, solidifying the lower court's ruling. Axios and AP News detail the ruling.
Carroll accused Trump of sexually abusing her in a Manhattan department store during the mid-1990s and later sued for defamation after Trump denied the claims in 2019. A 2023 federal jury found Trump liable for both the abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. This verdict has been a significant focal point in discussions about accountability for public figures.
Trump’s legal team argued the trial improperly admitted evidence, including testimonies from two other women with similar accusations and the controversial 'Access Hollywood' tape, which they claimed prejudiced the jury. Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal effectively upholds the verdict. The Daily Beast covers the legal challenges.
E. Jean Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, called the ruling a definitive affirmation of the jury’s determination that Trump sexually assaulted and defamed Carroll, emphasizing the importance of the judgment. Kaplan’s comments were reported by The Guardian.
Meanwhile, Trump is actively appealing a separate defamation verdict of $83.3 million awarded to Carroll following a different trial. The outcome of that appeal remains pending, leaving the case under continued legal scrutiny. LA Times provides ongoing coverage.
In response to the Supreme Court decision, Trump expressed surprise, calling the case a "Fake Case" and lamenting the court's refusal to intervene.
By the numbers:
- $5 million — amount of the upheld civil verdict against Trump
- 2023 — year the initial sexual abuse and defamation verdict was issued
- $83.3 million — separate defamation verdict still under appeal
Yes, but: The Supreme Court did not provide a reason for declining to hear the appeal, leaving some legal questions unresolved.
What's next: The legal battle continues as Trump appeals the separate $83.3 million defamation verdict awarded to Carroll.