Trump Loses Appeal of $5M Carroll Verdict

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DEC 30 2024

Above: Donald Trump in April 2024. Image copyright: Charly Triballeau/Contributor/AFP via Getty Imagesstory last updated DEC 31 2024

The Facts

The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on Monday upheld a $5M civil verdict that found Pres.-elect Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll in a Manhattan department store during the mid-1990s.
The original May 2023 jury verdict awarded Carroll, a former Elle Magazine advice columnist, $2.02M for sexual assault and $2.98M for defamation related to Trump's October 2022 Truth Social post denying her claims.
The three-judge panel, all of whom were appointed by either former Pres. Barack Obama or Pres. Joe Biden, rejected Trump's arguments that the district court made errors in its evidentiary rulings.

The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

This is a win for all victims of sexual violence. All the relevant evidence proved Trump's long history of exploiting women. Individuals like Carroll, and justice-seeking courts like the Second Circuit, should continue fighting for powerless victims despite Trump's reelection to the presidency.

The New Republic Huffington Post

Pro-Trump narrative

There wasn't nearly enough evidence against Trump in this case, but because of a new law — which is suspiciously tailored to target Trump — this appeal was rejected. This court is just participating in the political witch hunt that's lasted more than a decade against the president-elect.

Townhall PJ Media