The US Supreme Court has declined to hear President Donald Trump's appeal challenging the $5 million civil judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll. By refusing to take up the case, the court leaves intact the earlier rulings of lower courts and the jury's verdict.
The case stems from a 2023 civil trial in which a federal jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and for defaming her after she publicly accused him of assault. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. Trump has consistently denied the allegations and argued that the case was handled unfairly.
Trump's legal team had asked the Supreme Court to review the case, contending that certain evidence admitted during the trial prejudiced the jury. However, the justices declined to hear the appeal without issuing a written explanation, a common practice when the court denies review.
The Supreme Court's decision effectively brings the appeal to an end, leaving the $5 million judgment in place. Trump continues to deny wrongdoing, while Carroll's legal victory remains one of the most significant civil rulings involving the US president. A separate defamation judgment against Trump involving Carroll remains the subject of additional legal proceedings.
