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| Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll |
In a significant legal development, a New York jury has mandated former President Donald Trump to pay a staggering $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll. The jury's decision revolves around accusations of defamation, with Trump having previously called Carroll a liar after she accused him of sexual assault. This verdict adds to the legal woes faced by the former president, who is already entangled in various legal battles.
The Verdict:
The jury, acting on a pre-existing ruling by Judge Lewis Kaplan that Trump had indeed defamed Carroll, deliberated on the amount owed rather than Trump's liability. The substantial sum includes $65 million in punitive damages, $11 million for damage to Carroll's reputation, and an additional $7.3 million. Trump is expected to appeal the verdict, asserting that the trial is a "political weapon."
Trump's Response:
In response to the jury's decision, the Trump 2024 campaign issued a statement denouncing the verdict as "absolutely ridiculous." Trump himself expressed disagreement with both verdicts, vowing to appeal what he termed a "Biden Directed Witch Hunt" targeting him and the Republican Party. The timing of this legal setback coincides with Trump's recent victory in the New Hampshire primary, solidifying his position as the GOP front-runner.
Ongoing Legal Battles:
This is not the first time Trump has been ordered to compensate Carroll. In a separate defamation case last year, he was mandated to pay $5 million. The current legal saga is part of a broader legal landscape for Trump, who faces a civil trial that could result in a substantial payment to New York state, along with potential business restrictions.
Background of the Case:
Carroll, an advice columnist and freelance writer, accused Trump of sexual assault in the '90s. Trump responded to the accusations by outright denying them, stating she was "not my type." Carroll subsequently sued Trump for defamation, arguing that his comments tarnished her reputation as a credible media source, leading to a barrage of insults and threats.
Legal Maneuvers:
The road to justice for Carroll was obstructed when Trump's Attorney General Bill Barr initially blocked the lawsuit, claiming Trump's comments were made in his official capacity as president. It wasn't until 2023, under Biden's Justice Department, that the lawsuit gained traction. The reversal allowed the defamation case to move forward, ultimately leading to the recent jury decision.
Testimonies:
Carroll, the key witness, faced Trump during the trial, expressing how his remarks had devastated her world. She testified that Trump's branding her a liar had drastically reduced the volume of emails seeking advice for her column. Instead, she received threats and insults, demonstrating the tangible impact on her professional life.
Trump's Defense:
Trump's lawyer, Alina Habba, argued that damages should not be directly attributed to Trump. She presented social media posts from the "gap" between Carroll's allegations and Trump's comments. The defense also highlighted the support Carroll received for her allegations and questioned her motives for legal action.
Trump's Stand:
After weeks of anticipation, Trump finally took the witness stand briefly on Jan. 25, reaffirming his previous deposition. He emphasized that he did not instruct anyone to harm Carroll and maintained his stance of defending himself, his family, and his presidency.
Political Ramifications:
Trump, present during several days of the trial, asserted outside the courtroom that the case was election interference. His vocal comments, both during the trial and at campaign rallies, echoed themes similar to those that led to the defamation lawsuit. This legal battle adds to the 91 charges Trump faces in federal and state trials, indicating the complex legal landscape ahead for the former president.
The recent verdict in the defamation lawsuit against Trump marks a substantial financial setback and further complicates his legal challenges. As Trump vows to appeal and denounces the trial as political interference, the impact on his political future, especially as the GOP front-runner, remains to be seen. This case adds another layer to the unfolding legal drama surrounding Donald Trump, a figure whose actions continue to reverberate in the realms of both law and politics.
Source:
(1) READ: Jury’s $83 million verdict against Trump in E. Jean Carroll defamation case. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/read-jury-s-83-million-verdict-against-trump-in-e-jean-carroll-defamation-case/ar-BB1hkaet.
(2) NYC jury finds Trump owes E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million for defaming her. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/nyc-jury-finds-trump-owes-e-jean-carroll-833-million-for-defaming-her/ar-BB1hkzbL.
(3) Trump owes $83.3 million in damages for defaming E. Jean Carroll - MSNBC. https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/deadline-legal-blog/trump-e-jean-carroll-defamation-trial-damages-rcna135857.
(4) E. Jean Carroll defamation case: Trump ordered to pay $83M, vows to appeal. https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/trump-defamation-trial/jury-awards-carroll-833-million-in-damages-106721420?id=106403966.
(5) Jury finds Trump must pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll. https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-trial-e-jean-carroll-01-26-24/index.html.
(6) Jury orders Trump to pay $83.3 million for defaming E. Jean Carroll .... https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4431528-donald-trump-e-jean-carroll-defamation-trial-verdict/.
(7) https://www.npr.org/2024/01/26/1226626397/trump-defamation-trial