Full Breakdown
Trump Delays $83 Million Defamation Payment to E. Jean Carroll Pending Supreme Court Review
5/13/2026, 4:30:48 AM
Core Legal Development: Appeals Court Allows Payment Stay
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a stay on the $83.3 million defamation judgment against Donald Trump, allowing him to delay payment. Trump must post a $7.4 million bond for interest while the case proceeds to the U.S. Supreme Court. The stay follows a request from Trump attorney Justin D. Smith, who argued the Supreme Court has a “fair prospect” of overturning the award.
Background & Context: Defamation Suit and Prior Verdicts
Carroll, a longtime advice columnist, said Trump sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan department store dressing room in 1996 and recounted the claim in a 2019 memoir. A May 2023 jury awarded $5 million for sexual abuse and defamation. In January 2024 a three-judge panel affirmed an $83.3 million judgment, reflecting both the abuse finding and damages for defamation.
Key Figures & Groups
- Donald Trump – former president, argues “absolute immunity” for statements made while in office.
- E. Jean Carroll – plaintiff, advice columnist.
- Justin D. Smith – Trump’s lead appellate attorney.
- 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals – issued the stay.
- U.S. Supreme Court – pending reviewer.
Timeline of Litigation
- 1996 – Alleged assault in Manhattan.
- 2019 – Carroll’s memoir published.
- May 2023 – Jury awards $5 million.
- January 2024 – Panel affirms $83.3 million judgment.
- Late March 2024 – Appeals court denies full-circuit hearing.
- April 2024 – Stay issued; $7.4 million bond ordered.
Data & Statistics
- $83.3 million – Defamation award upheld.
- $5 million – Initial jury award.
- $7.4 million – Bond for interest.
- >=5 years – Duration of Trump’s public attacks on Carroll, per the appellate panel.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump’s team asserts his statements are shielded by presidential “absolute immunity” and urges the Supreme Court to review the lower courts’ application of that doctrine. The appellate court noted that Trump’s attacks grew more intense as the trial neared and continued throughout. Carroll’s lawyer sought the bond to cover interest, indicating opposition to the stay.
Criticism & Opposition
Carroll’s counsel argued the stay delays enforcement of the jury’s liability finding and that the bond does not replace the full judgment. Observers highlighted the appellate panel’s description of Trump’s “more extreme and frequent” attacks as evidence the defamation award remains justified.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not specify the Supreme Court’s hearing schedule, leaving the timing of a final decision unclear. It also omits how the $7.4 million bond was calculated to cover interest.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He also continued these same attacks during the trial itself,” — 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
What’s Next
The appeal will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Court upholds the judgment, Trump must pay the $83.3 million plus interest. A reversal could reduce or eliminate the award and shape future presidential immunity claims in civil defamation cases.
