New York, United States. A U.S. judge on Wednesday authorized the payment of nearly $5.8 million to writer E. Jean Carroll to satisfy a 2023 civil verdict finding President Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. The funds had been held in escrow while Trump pursued an appeal.
Court orders disbursement of escrowed funds
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan ordered the disbursement of nearly $5.8 million to the former Elle magazine advice columnist, representing the original $5 million verdict plus interest.
Kaplan said the agreement establishing the escrow entitled Carroll to the money now, more than 6-1/2 years after she first sued Trump in November 2019.
“Defendant has been stalling this case for years,” the judge wrote. “It is time for him to ‘do equity’ and pay the judgment.”
Supreme Court declines to hear appeal
The funds remained in escrow while Trump appealed the verdict, but the U.S. Supreme Court on June 29 declined to take up the Republican president’s case. None of the nine justices, including three appointed by Trump, noted dissents.
Appeals court rejects immediate hold request
Trump asked the federal appeals court in Manhattan to put the disbursement on immediate hold while he appealed. The court denied his motion on Wednesday night.
Trump’s lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the president’s next legal steps.
Responses from both sides
“The American People stand with President Trump as they demand an immediate end to all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded travesty of the Carroll Hoaxes,” a spokesperson for Trump’s lawyers said in a statement following Kaplan’s order.
In a filing opposing the appeal, Carroll’s lawyers called it Trump’s latest effort to drag out proceedings, file meritless appeals, and raise new defenses when old defenses fail.
“Defendant is out of time,” Carroll’s lawyers said. “Carroll has waited more than three years for a jury’s verdict to be paid. She should not have to wait any longer.”
