E. Jean Carroll has stated that she would “absolutely” take legal action against Donald Trump again if he continues to make posts about her online. Last Friday, a jury in New York City ruled that the former president must pay $83.3 million in damages to Carroll, a journalist, over statements he made in 2019.
Trump had claimed that she was lying about allegations of sexual assault in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the 1990s. The awarded amount comprises $7.3 million in compensatory damages, $11 million for reputational repair, and $65 million in punitive damages.
This is not the first time Trump has been ordered to pay Carroll damages. Last year, he was directed to pay her $5 million in another civil defamation trial related to his denial of her claims in 2022. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has expressed his intent to appeal the recent verdict. Newsweek reached out to a representative for Trump for comments on this matter.
E. Jean Carroll (Credits: The Hill)
In a recent interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Carroll discussed Trump’s post-trial behavior, noting that he has been sharing links to articles attacking her and refuting her claims. When asked if she would pursue another case for additional compensation, Carroll replied with a firm “Absolutely.”
During the same interview, Carroll shared her emotions after winning the case, stating that she and her legal team were “laughing and crying all at the same time.” She expressed optimism about the future, believing that the case signifies a shift in the way things are done in the country.
Carroll credited her “indestructible team of lawyers” for standing up to Trump, whom she described as “nothing” and compared to a “walrus snorting” and a “rhino flopping his hand.”
Earlier in the day, Carroll criticized Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, on CNN, mocking her “ludicrous confidence” and suggesting that much of what she said during the trial was “entirely made up” and “entirely untrue.” Carroll also expressed surprise at what she perceived as Trump’s lack of power during the trial, characterizing him as “nothing” and “zero.”
Legal experts anticipate that the substantial damages payout may pose a financial challenge for Trump, especially when combined with potential damages in his ongoing civil fraud trial.
In September, Judge Arthur Engoron issued a partial summary judgment in a case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that Trump and top executives at The Trump Organization committed fraud by inflating the value of assets
Engoron will decide on the damages Trump must pay and rule on other accusations, including falsifying business records, insurance fraud, and conspiracy claims, with James seeking the return of $370 million in profits made by Trump.
