Judge Rejects Delay, Orders Donald Trump to Pay IDR 80 Billion to E. Jean Carroll
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the release of more than US$5 million (around Rp80 billion) to be handed over to E Jean Carroll. The decision also rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt to postpone payment of damages to the former magazine columnist in the sexual assault and defamation case.
The ruling by Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan came after Trump asked the court to hold the funds. Trump had hoped the money would not be given to Carroll until the Supreme Court decided whether it would reconsider his petition challenging the jury’s verdict.
Carroll’s lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment. Trump, meanwhile, has filed notice with the court that he will appeal the judge’s decision.
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team issued a defence in an official written statement.
“The American people stand with President Trump as they demand the immediate end to all Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded parody of the Carroll Hoax. President Trump will continue to win against the Liberal Lawfare, as he stays focused on his mission to Make America Great Again,” the statement said.
Previously, Trump’s lawyers argued that waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision would not harm Carroll, but would instead cause irreparable harm to the president.
“The plaintiff faces only a short delay, fully compensable with interest, unless the verdict is overturned on appeal. That has been the status quo throughout the appeals process in this case, and it should remain so while the petition for review is resolved,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a court filing.
“President Trump, however, faces irreparable harm. The plaintiff has repeatedly stated her intention to distribute all the funds she collects from him, and once those funds are distributed to third parties, they are highly unlikely to be recoverable,” they continued.
Carroll’s lawyers had asked the judge to release the cash after the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s petition challenging the jury’s verdict last week. However, on Monday Trump again filed a motion with the Supreme Court requesting reconsideration.
This case is one of two lawsuits brought by Carroll against Trump. In addition to this case, Trump has said he will ask the Supreme Court to review another jury verdict requiring him to pay US$83 million to Carroll for defamation over statements he made in 2022. Trump has until the end of this month to file that petition. (CNN/Z-2)