Trump pays Carroll $5.6 million after civil verdict appeals end

Donald Trump has paid writer E. Jean Carroll more than $5.6 million, ending the collection fight over the 2023 civil verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. Federal court records made public Tuesday showed the money was released after Trump exhausted his latest avenues to block payment.npr +1

The disbursement totaled $5,625,005.48, reflecting the jury’s $5 million damages award plus post-judgment interest. CNBC reported that the payment was made July 9 to the law firm of Carroll attorney Roberta Kaplan; The Guardian said the money had been held in a court-controlled escrow account while Trump appealed.nytimes +1

“Three years ago, a unanimous nine-person jury found President Trump liable for sexually assaulting and defaming E. Jean Carroll,” Kaplan said in a statement reported by NPR. “Today, we are pleased to report that she has received the damages payment the jury awarded her as a result of that verdict.”[0]

The payment followed the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Trump’s challenge to the verdict and a subsequent order from U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan releasing the funds. Trump’s lawyers continued trying to delay the transfer, but a district court and then an appeals court rejected those efforts.nytimes +1

Trump has denied Carroll’s allegations and wrongdoing. His legal team has characterized the case as politically motivated, while Carroll’s lawyers argued that Trump had already agreed the escrowed money could be released if the Supreme Court declined to take the case.npr +1

The payment does not end the broader legal fight between the two. Carroll separately won an $83.3 million defamation verdict in 2024 over additional statements by Trump; he is still appealing that judgment.washingtonpost