Federal Judge Rejects Trump’s Appeal to Postpone $83.3M Defamation Payment in Carroll Case
In a decisive legal ruling with significant financial implications, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan has rejected former President Donald Trump’s appeal to postpone the enforcement of the $83.3 million defamation judgment granted to E. Jean Carroll, the late journalist and author who accused Trump of sexual assault.
The ruling, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, requires Trump to either:
Pay the entire sum
Or provide a bond amounting to $91.6 million (inclusive of interest)
…to legally halt collection efforts during the appeal process.
Failure to comply could lead to immediate asset seizures, representing one of the most significant enforcement actions against Trump to date.
🗣️ Trump Campaign Criticizes Ruling as Politically Driven
In reaction to the ruling, Trump’s campaign issued a statement denouncing the decision as part of a broader “witch hunt” against him.
Spokesman Steven Cheung stated:
“President Trump will persist in contesting these unlawful rulings in court.
Truth will ultimately prevail.”
Trump’s team has indicated intentions to appeal; however, as of now, no significant bond has been posted, leaving the judgment exposed to execution.
👩⚖️ Carroll’s Team Commits to Uphold the Ruling
Carroll’s legal representatives, headed by ex-federal prosecutors, contended from the outset that permitting Trump to postpone enforcement would create a perilous precedent.
One attorney characterized Trump’s motion as the “legal equivalent of a paper napkin” — implying it was devoid of substance and enforceable assurances.
They emphasized that the court’s responsibility is to guarantee accountability — even for former presidents.
“Judgments are not mere suggestions,” stated attorney Roberta Kaplan.
“They constitute binding obligations — and must be respected.”
Carroll, who passed away in 2024, had frequently discussed the emotional impact of the legal struggle — and the significance of justice, not only for herself but for women everywhere who are afraid to speak out.
Now, her estate is ready to receive compensation.
