US Supreme Court Again Rejects Trump in $5 Million E. Jean Carroll Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has again rejected Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn a $5 million civil verdict awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll, leaving the judgment against the president in place.

The justices on Monday, August 17, declined to reconsider their earlier decision not to hear Trump’s appeal. The court gave no explanation for the decision, which is customary when it denies a request for rehearing.

The decision is the latest setback for Trump in his legal battle with Carroll, who accused him of sexually abusing her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s and later defaming her by publicly denying the allegations.

Jury Found Trump Liable for Sexual Abuse and Defamation

A federal jury in New York found Trump liable in 2023 for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.

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The jury did not find Trump liable for rape under the specific legal definition presented to it, but it found him responsible for sexual abuse and defamation. Trump has consistently denied Carroll’s allegations and has argued that the case against him was unfair and politically motivated.

Trump appealed the verdict through the federal courts before asking the Supreme Court to intervene.

Supreme Court Had Already Rejected Trump’s Appeal

The Supreme Court first declined to hear Trump’s appeal in June 2026. Trump then asked the justices to reconsider that decision.

The latest refusal means the $5 million judgment remains intact. Carroll has already received more than $5.6 million, including interest, following the earlier court proceedings.

A federal judge had previously ordered the release of funds held in connection with the judgment after the Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s initial appeal.

Separate $83.3 Million Defamation Case Remains

Trump still faces a separate and much larger judgment involving Carroll.

In 2024, another jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million for defaming Carroll through statements he made in 2019. That case remains subject to further legal proceedings, with Trump arguing that presidential immunity should protect him from liability for statements made while he was president.

The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on whether it will take up that separate appeal.

For now, Monday’s decision closes another avenue for Trump to challenge the $5 million verdict, leaving the 2023 judgment against him in force.

Author

Onyeka M. Kimekwu

Financial Researcher & Editor

at Makon Financials with over four years of experience specialising in financial markets, economic developments, and corporate finance across Africa, the Middle East, and global markets. His work focuses on analyzing financial data, examining market developments, and translating complex economic information into clear, accurate, and insightful reporting.