US Supreme Court's refusal to hear Donald Trump's appeal against a 2023 civil case ruling has led to the former President being compelled to pay E Jean Carroll £4.4 million, equivalent to approximately $5.6 million. This payment includes £600,000 in interest accumulated since the initial verdict, which found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Ms Carroll.
The funds had been held in escrow since the 2023 judgment, awaiting a definitive ruling on whether Trump would be able to continue appealing against the decision. With the US Supreme Court declining to intervene, Trump's options were exhausted, necessitating immediate payment of the awarded sum. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal battles between the former President and Ms Carroll.
A spokesperson for Trump's personal legal team, Aaron Harison, has characterised the legal proceedings as "witch-hunts" and "Democrat-funded travesties," reiterating Trump's long-held stance that the cases against him are politically motivated. However, this payment brings to an end one chapter in the complex saga.
A second substantial judgment against Trump remains outstanding, with Ms Carroll having been awarded $83.3 million in a separate defamation case in 2024. Her legal representatives have indicated they will now focus on securing this larger sum, with further court proceedings expected to resolve the matter.
The payment serves as a reminder of the continued financial and legal pressures facing Donald Trump as he navigates multiple lawsuits and potential future political campaigns. The UK, too, has been impacted by Trump's controversies, with British politicians and diplomats often caught in the crossfire of his transatlantic disputes.