The defamation lawsuit filed by retired journalist E. Jean Carroll, legal analysts anticipate a substantial financial settlement following former President Donald Trump’s recent testimony. Carroll alleges that Trump sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan department store changing room in the mid-1990s.
During the trial, marked by Trump’s insistence on innocence, Judge Lewis Kaplan strongly rebuked the former president. The legal proceedings took an unexpected turn after a New York City jury in May 2023 found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, ordering him to pay $5 million in damages.
Despite this verdict, Carroll’s legal team pursued an additional $10 million in compensatory damages. Trump’s testimony, where he reaffirmed his previous deposition and claimed he spoke to protect himself, his family, and the presidency, is considered insufficient to sway the jury in his favor, according to legal expert Neama Rahmani.
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Rahmani predicts another seven-figure judgment in favor of Carroll, emphasizing that Trump’s deviation from Judge Kaplan’s order not to deny sexual assault could further jeopardize his case.
Although Trump’s brief testimony may help mitigate punitive damages, legal scholar Stephen Gillers notes that it appears tailored to appeal to his political supporters. Gillers acknowledges that Trump’s appearance underscores his combative character and “never back down” personality, contributing to his ongoing political campaign.
Before testifying, Judge Kaplan warned Trump not to deny Carroll’s allegations, as the jury had unanimously concluded in the previous trial that Trump sexually assaulted her. Carroll’s legal team seeks not only compensatory damages but also additional damages due to Trump’s continued denial of the assault accusations.
In September, Judge Kaplan ruled that Trump’s comments against Carroll were defamatory, adding complexity to the case. As closing arguments unfold, Trump faces ongoing legal challenges, including a civil fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Judge Arthur Engoron ruled in September that Trump and top executives at the Trump Organization committed fraud by inflating the value of assets.
These legal troubles compound, making the outcome of the E. Jean Carroll defamation lawsuit a significant chapter in Trump’s post-presidential legal saga, with the potential for a considerable financial setback for the former president.
