President Donald Trump’s legal fight over the E. Jean Carroll defamation judgment has entered a new procedural phase after a federal appeals court temporarily paused enforcement of the $83.3 million award as he seeks Supreme Court review.
The ruling marks the latest development in a years-long legal dispute stemming from two civil trials brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, who alleged that Trump sexually assaulted her in the 1990s.
A Manhattan jury in 2023 found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation and awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.
In January 2024, a second jury ordered him to pay an additional $83.3 million over statements he made denying her allegations, with both verdicts later upheld by federal appeals courts.
The appeals court decision does not overturn or vacate either verdict.
Instead, it temporarily pauses enforcement of the $83.3 million judgment while Trump pursues further appellate review, including a potential petition to the Supreme Court.
The underlying findings of liability remain intact, but collection efforts are on hold during the next phase of litigation, The Guardian reported.
As part of the order, the court required Trump to increase the bond securing the judgment to account for interest that would accrue during continued proceedings.
The adjusted bond brings the total financial guarantee close to $100 million, ensuring funds will be available if the judgment is ultimately upheld.
Carroll’s attorneys did not oppose a delay in enforcement, provided the bond was increased accordingly.
The dispute centers in part on Trump’s argument that statements he made while serving as president are protected under presidential immunity and cannot form the basis of civil liability.
His legal team has also challenged evidentiary rulings from both trials and is seeking Supreme Court review of both the $5 million and $83.3 million judgments, according to NBC News.
Federal appeals courts have consistently rejected those arguments, with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholding both jury verdicts.
The court has previously declined to rehear the case en banc, narrowing Trump’s remaining legal options to a request for review by the Supreme Court, which has discretion over whether to take up the matter.
If the Supreme Court declines to hear the case, the appellate rulings will remain in effect, and enforcement of the judgment could proceed under the bond conditions already imposed by the appeals court.
If the Court agrees to hear the appeal, the case would move into a full review process that could extend for months or longer.
The Carroll litigation has drawn significant attention because it involves both jury findings of liability and constitutional questions regarding presidential immunity for statements made while in office.
Trump has denied the allegations and continues to challenge both verdicts through the appellate system.
For now, the case remains in a holding pattern.
The judgment stands, but enforcement is paused as Trump continues pursuing relief through the federal courts and potentially the Supreme Court. The case now moves to the Supreme Court for potential review.
