A federal judge has ordered that the $5 million judgment against President Donald Trump be released to writer E. Jean Carroll, marking another major development in one of the most closely watched civil legal battles involving the president.
The ruling came after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal challenging the 2023 jury verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. With the appeal process effectively exhausted, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan concluded there was no legal reason to continue holding the money in escrow and ordered that it be paid to Carroll immediately.
The payment totals nearly $5.8 million, consisting of the original $5 million jury award plus accumulated interest during the lengthy appeals process.
Why Did the Judge Order the Payment?
The dispute dates back to a May 2023 civil trial in which a Manhattan federal jury concluded that Trump was liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. The jury awarded her $5 million in damages.
Following the verdict, Trump deposited the money into a court-controlled escrow account while pursuing appeals. That arrangement ensured the funds would remain available if the judgment was ultimately upheld.
After the Supreme Court declined to review Trump’s appeal, Carroll’s legal team argued that all significant legal obstacles had been removed and requested the immediate release of the funds.
Judge Lewis Kaplan agreed.
According to court filings, Kaplan stated that Trump had already received extensive judicial review and that there was no justification for delaying payment any longer.
Trump’s Legal Team Tried to Stop the Release
Before the money was released, Trump’s attorneys filed an emergency request asking the judge to delay payment.
His lawyers argued that Trump intended to seek rehearing before the Supreme Court and warned that releasing the funds could create irreversible consequences if the judgment were later overturned.
They also argued that recovering the money could become difficult if Carroll donated or spent it before further appeals concluded.
Despite those arguments, Judge Kaplan rejected the request, allowing the payment to move forward.
Appeals Court Also Declined Emergency Relief
Trump’s legal team quickly appealed Judge Kaplan’s order.
However, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit denied the emergency request that would have temporarily blocked the payment.
That decision effectively cleared the way for Carroll to receive the money while Trump’s broader legal efforts continue.
Understanding the Original Lawsuit
The underlying lawsuit stems from allegations made by E. Jean Carroll that Trump sexually assaulted her inside a New York department store during the mid-1990s.
Trump consistently denied the allegations and repeatedly claimed he did not know Carroll.
In 2023, a federal jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation but did not find him liable under New York’s narrow legal definition of rape.
The jury awarded Carroll:
- $2 million for sexual abuse
- Nearly $3 million for defamation
The combined judgment totaled approximately $5 million before interest accumulated.
Why the Payment Is Larger Than $5 Million
Although many headlines refer to a $5 million judgment, the actual amount released is closer to $5.8 million.
That’s because interest accrued while the case remained tied up in appellate courts.
Federal law generally allows successful plaintiffs to receive post-judgment interest when payment is delayed during appeals.
As a result, Carroll will receive both the original damages and the accumulated interest.
Trump Still Has Another Carroll Judgment
The $5 million case is only one part of Trump’s legal dispute with Carroll.
In January 2024, another federal jury ordered Trump to pay approximately $83.3 million in a separate defamation lawsuit arising from statements he made after Carroll first accused him publicly.
That larger judgment remains under separate appellate review.
Trump has continued arguing that presidential immunity and other legal principles should shield him from liability, while Carroll’s attorneys maintain the verdicts should stand.
Political Impact
The ruling arrives as Trump continues serving as president while facing ongoing civil litigation.
Although the payment itself does not affect Trump’s ability to remain in office, the decision keeps public attention focused on his legal challenges.
Political analysts note that every court ruling involving Trump quickly becomes part of the broader national political conversation, particularly as debates continue over judicial independence, executive accountability, and presidential immunity.
Supporters argue Trump has been subjected to politically motivated lawsuits, while critics view the court decisions as evidence that legal accountability applies equally regardless of political office.
What Happens Next?
Even though the money is now being released, Trump’s attorneys have indicated they intend to continue pursuing every remaining legal option.
Possible next steps include:
- Seeking rehearing from the Supreme Court.
- Continuing appellate litigation related to procedural issues.
- Pursuing appeals in the separate $83.3 million defamation judgment.
Legal experts, however, note that overturning the already affirmed $5 million verdict becomes increasingly difficult after both the federal appeals court and the Supreme Court have declined to disturb the original judgment. (Reuters)
Why This Case Matters
The order requiring the release of the $5 million judgment represents another significant milestone in one of the highest-profile civil cases involving a sitting U.S. president.
It demonstrates how civil judgments can continue through years of appeals before becoming enforceable and highlights the role of escrow arrangements in protecting both parties while appellate courts review a case.
With the funds now ordered released, Carroll moves one step closer to collecting the damages awarded by the jury, while Trump continues fighting related legal battles that remain active in federal courts.
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