Donald Trump faces another legal setback as federal appeals court upholds $5 million judgment in E. Jean Carroll case, reigniting claims of political persecution.
At a Glance
- Federal appeals court upholds $5 million civil judgment against Trump in E. Jean Carroll case
- Trump found liable for sexual abuse and defamation, denies allegations and claims unfair trial
- Appeals court rejects Trump’s arguments, finds no errors affecting his substantial rights
- Trump spokesperson criticizes ruling, calls for end to “political weaponization” of justice system
- Trump faces additional $83 million defamation judgment in separate case related to Carroll
Appeals Court Upholds Verdict Against Trump
In a significant legal development, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a $5 million civil judgment against former President Donald Trump in the case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The court rejected Trump’s appeal, finding no substantial errors in the trial proceedings that would warrant overturning the verdict.
The jury had previously found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s and for defaming her after she went public with her allegations. Trump has consistently denied these claims, describing them as a “hoax” and a “con job.”
A federal appeals court denied Donald Trump’s request for a new trial in New York writer E. Jean Carroll’s sexual abuse lawsuit, dealing a blow to the president-elect as he seeks to put his legal woes behind him before taking office. https://t.co/cNKV2HyeJp
— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) December 30, 2024
Trump’s Response and Claims of Unfairness
Following the appeals court decision, Trump’s camp has renewed its accusations of political persecution. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung issued a statement criticizing the ruling and calling for an end to what he described as the political weaponization of the justice system.
“The American People have re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed,” said Cheung.
Trump’s legal team had argued that the verdict was “grossly excessive” and cited alleged unfair rulings by the trial judge. However, the appeals court found no merit in these claims, stating that Trump failed to demonstrate any errors that affected his substantial rights.
“We conclude that Mr. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings. Further, he has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial,” the ruling said.
Legal Implications and Future Challenges
The appeals court’s decision marks another setback for Trump in his ongoing legal battles. The ruling not only upholds the $5 million judgment but also validates the trial court’s handling of the case, including the admission of testimony from two other women who alleged similar misconduct by Trump.
This case is part of a broader array of legal challenges facing the former president. Trump is also appealing an $83 million defamation judgment in a separate case related to additional defamatory comments he made about Carroll. These ongoing legal battles continue to shape the political landscape as Trump maintains his position as the leading figure in the Republican Party.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The case has drawn significant public attention, with supporters of Trump viewing it as further evidence of what they perceive as a coordinated effort to undermine his political influence. Critics, on the other hand, see the court’s decision as a vindication of the legal process and a step towards accountability.
With appeals ongoing and further legal battles on the horizon, the intersection of law and politics remains at the forefront of American public discourse. The outcome of these cases will likely have far-reaching implications for both Trump’s personal legacy and the broader political landscape.
