A jury has ordered former president Donald Trump to pay writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in compensatory and punitive damages for defaming her. This comes after a previous jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting Carroll and ordered a fine of $5 million. The jury deliberated for less than three hours and, despite resembling many of Trump’s followers, believed Carroll’s testimony over the former president’s denial. Carroll testified that she received rape and death threats as a result of Trump’s abuse.
During the trial, Trump’s lawyer attempted to argue that Carroll’s reputation was enhanced by his words and actions, but Carroll countered that she had been labeled a liar and a fraud. Trump showed contempt for Carroll and the jury by walking out of the courtroom when Carroll’s attorney began her closing argument. Trump has promised to appeal the verdict, but this will likely require him to put the damages into a trust while the appeal is ongoing.
In addition to this case, Trump is also facing another court decision regarding the amount of damages he must pay for years of business fraud. If he is forced to pay the $300 million sought by Attorney General Letitia James, along with the two Carroll awards, Trump will be dangerously close to the $400 million he claims to have in cash on hand. While he may turn to his supporters to pay his legal bills, this money will be unavailable for his campaign. This situation could potentially impact his campaign and may be of interest to Nikki Haley, who has shown no solidarity with Carroll but could benefit from Trump’s financial woes.
