The United States Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear an appeal from former President Donald Trump in a defamation case brought by writer E Jean Carroll, effectively upholding a $5 million verdict against him. The decision marks the end of a prolonged legal battle over statements Trump made in 2022.
Case Background
The case stems from a federal jury's finding in May 2023 that Trump had defamed Carroll by calling her sexual assault allegation a 'hoax' and a 'con job' in a social media post. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Trump had sought to overturn the verdict, arguing that his statements were protected as opinion and that the trial had been unfair.
Supreme Court's Decision
The Supreme Court's order, issued without comment, declined to review the case, leaving the lower court's ruling intact. Legal experts noted that the court's refusal to hear the appeal was not surprising, as Trump's arguments did not raise substantial constitutional questions. According to court documents, the appeal had been pending since early 2026.
Impact on Trump
The decision is a significant legal setback for Trump, who faces multiple other lawsuits and criminal investigations. Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, hailed the ruling as a victory for accountability. 'The Supreme Court's decision affirms that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law,' Kaplan said in a statement. Trump's legal team did not immediately comment.
Broader Implications
The case has been closely watched as a test of how courts handle defamation claims involving public figures and social media. The $5 million verdict, while substantial, is separate from another $83.3 million judgment Carroll won against Trump in January 2024 for defamatory statements made while he was president. That case is also under appeal.
