A federal appeals court has granted former President Donald Trump a temporary reprieve from paying an $83 million defamation award to writer E. Jean Carroll. The ruling, issued on May 13, 2026, by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, allows Trump to avoid immediate payment while his legal team pursues further appeals.
Background of the Case
The defamation lawsuit stemmed from a 2019 incident in which Trump denied Carroll's allegations of sexual assault, calling her claims a lie. A jury had previously awarded Carroll $83 million in damages, including punitive damages, after finding Trump liable for defamation. The trial, held in New York federal court, drew significant media attention.
Appeals Court Decision
The appeals court's decision to stay the payment means that Trump will not have to transfer the funds until the appellate process is complete. The court cited the need to review legal arguments regarding the jury's verdict and the constitutionality of the punitive damages award. Legal experts note that such stays are not uncommon in high-profile cases involving substantial monetary judgments.
Reactions and Implications
Carroll's legal team expressed disappointment but vowed to continue fighting for the verdict. Trump's attorneys hailed the decision as a victory, arguing that the original award was excessive. The case now moves to a full panel of appeals court judges, who will hear oral arguments in the coming months.
This development adds another chapter to the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump, who faces multiple civil and criminal cases. The outcome could have significant implications for defamation law and the limits of presidential immunity.
