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Appeals Court Upholds $83.3 Million Defamation Judgment Against Trump in Carroll Case

The unanimous Second Circuit ruling rejects a presidential‑immunity defense, leaving Trump to consider a Supreme Court appeal.

FILE - E. Jean Carroll exits the New York Federal Court after former President Donald Trump appeared in court, Sept. 6, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)
A protester stands outside the federal court in New York City on Jan. 25, 2024, as the defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump brought by E. Jean Carroll continues. On Sept. 8, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit declined to throw out a case that ruled the president owes $83.3 million over comments he made disputing the veracity of sexual assault claims by Carroll.
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Overview

  • An unsigned three‑judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the jury’s verdict, calling the damages reasonable given the case’s extraordinary and egregious facts.
  • The court said the district judge did not err at trial and found Trump’s prolonged attacks on E. Jean Carroll fueled harassment and threats against her.
  • Judges rejected Trump’s claim that presidential immunity shields him from liability and noted he waived the defense by not raising it earlier.
  • The $83.3 million award comprises $18.3 million for reputational and emotional harm and $65 million in punitive damages, with interest accruing at New York’s 9% annual rate.
  • A separate $5 million verdict for sexual abuse and defamation was previously upheld, and collection on the larger judgment remains subject to appellate processes and the posted bond.