President Trump’s legal team filed a petition Monday asking the Supreme Court to throw out an $83.3 million defamation judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll, arguing the verdict violates his First Amendment rights and reflects a trial process riddled with errors.
The massive judgment stems from Trump’s 2019 statements denying Carroll’s accusation that he sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the 1990s. Trump called her story a fabrication and questioned her credibility while he served as president.
A federal jury in January 2024 awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages after finding Trump’s denials defamed her. Trump has already paid the judgment into escrow while pursuing appeals, meaning Carroll cannot access the funds until all legal challenges conclude.
Constitutional Questions at Center of Appeal
Trump’s lawyers argue the case raises fundamental questions about how far defamation law can reach when a public official responds to serious accusations. The petition contends the judgment punishes political speech and sets a dangerous precedent for future presidents facing allegations.
The appeal comes after lower courts upheld the verdict. Trump’s legal team now asks the nation’s highest court to consider whether the trial court made reversible errors in how it handled evidence and jury instructions.
What Happens Next
The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions annually but agrees to hear only about 100 cases. The justices will decide in coming months whether to take up Trump’s appeal. If they decline, the judgment stands and Carroll would receive the full amount plus accrued interest.
If the Court agrees to hear the case, oral arguments would likely occur in 2027, with a decision following months later. The money remains in escrow throughout the process.
Carroll’s legal team has not yet filed a response to the petition. Her lawyers previously argued the judgment appropriately compensates her for reputational damage and emotional distress caused by Trump’s statements, which reached millions of Americans through media coverage and social media.
The case remains one of several legal battles Trump faces as he governs, though this petition represents his first attempt to bring a civil judgment against him before the Supreme Court since returning to office.
Key Points
- Trump’s lawyers filed Supreme Court petition challenging $83.3 million defamation verdict awarded to E. Jean Carroll
- The judgment stems from 2019 statements denying Carroll’s sexual assault accusation and questioning her credibility
- Money sits in escrow pending appeals; Supreme Court will decide whether to hear case in coming months
https://www.axios.com/2026/07/28/trump-appeal-defamation-sexual-assault – July 28, 2026
