Full Breakdown
Appeals Court Upholds $83.3 Million Defamation Judgment Against Donald Trump
9/10/2025, 10:00:14 PM
Overview of the Case
On September 8, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld a jury's decision requiring former President Donald Trump to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll for defamation. This ruling stems from Trump's repeated public denials of Carroll's allegations that he sexually assaulted her in the mid-1990s at Bergdorf Goodman, a Manhattan department store. The jury had previously found Trump liable for defamation in January 2024, awarding Carroll $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages.
Court's Rationale
The three-judge panel unanimously rejected Trump's appeal, stating that the damages awarded were "fair and reasonable" given the "extraordinary and egregious facts" of the case. The court emphasized that Trump's conduct was marked by "reckless disregard for the truth," particularly as he continued to publicly disparage Carroll even after the initial jury verdict. The judges noted that Trump's statements had a significant negative impact on Carroll, leading to her receiving numerous death threats and enduring extensive harassment.
Key Findings
The court found that Trump's claims, including that Carroll was "not his type" and that she fabricated her story to sell her memoir, were false and defamatory. The panel highlighted that Trump's attacks intensified as the trial approached, further justifying the substantial punitive damages awarded to Carroll. The court also dismissed Trump's argument that he should be protected by presidential immunity, stating that his defamatory remarks were personal and not related to his official duties as president.
Legal Context
This ruling follows a separate case in which a jury awarded Carroll $5 million in 2023 after finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation related to similar statements he made in 2022. Trump's legal team has indicated plans to appeal both verdicts to the Supreme Court, arguing that the recent expansion of presidential immunity should apply to his case.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberta Kaplan, Carroll's attorney, welcomed the ruling, asserting that it affirmed Carroll's truthfulness and Trump's dishonesty. Kaplan expressed hope for a conclusion to the appellate process, emphasizing the need for justice to be served. In contrast, Trump's legal representatives criticized the ruling, labeling it a politically motivated attack and calling for an end to what they termed "liberal lawfare."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Trump have pointed to the ruling as a significant legal precedent, reinforcing the principle that no individual, including a sitting president, is above the law. Legal experts have noted that the substantial punitive damages serve as a warning against similar conduct by public figures.
What's Next
As the legal battle continues, Trump's team may seek a full panel review from the Second Circuit or escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Carroll has not yet received any of the awarded damages due to ongoing appeals, but she has expressed intentions to use any potential financial compensation for causes related to sexual assault survivors.
Conclusion
The Second Circuit's ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump, underscoring the accountability of public figures for their statements and actions. The court's decision not only upholds a significant financial penalty against Trump but also reinforces the notion that personal misconduct, regardless of one's position, can lead to legal consequences.
