A federal judge has rejected President Donald Trump’s request for additional time to respond to writer E. Jean Carroll’s effort to collect nearly $5.8 million awarded to her in a civil defamation and sexual abuse case.
Court ruling
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan issued a brief order on July 4 denying Trump’s bid for a delay. As a result, Trump must file his response by July 7.
The ruling came days after the Supreme Court declined to review the jury’s 2023 verdict holding Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her by dismissing her allegations as a “con job.”
Background of the dispute
Carroll, a longtime New York writer, asked a federal court in Manhattan on June 30 to direct Trump to pay the money awarded to her by a jury. The total includes damages plus interest that has accrued while Trump pursued appeals.
In her filing, Carroll argued that further delay was unwarranted, saying Trump had been slow to comply with the judgment.
“This is the end of the line,” Carroll’s attorneys wrote, urging the court to order payment.
Trump’s request for more time
Trump sought an extension, arguing that his legal team recently changed. His former lead attorney, Justin Smith, left the case after being confirmed as a judge on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Trump said his new lawyer, Josh Halpern, needed additional time to become familiar with the case.
Judge Kaplan did not elaborate on his reasoning in the one-sentence order denying the request.
The underlying case
In the 2023 trial, a Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a department store dressing room in the 1990s and for defaming her decades later by publicly attacking her claims. Trump has consistently denied the allegations and disputed the verdict.
The jury awarded Carroll roughly $5 million, which has since grown to about $5.8 million with interest.
Separate judgment still on appeal
Carroll also won a separate civil case in 2024, when another Manhattan jury awarded her $83.3 million after finding Trump defamed her again in 2019 while denying her accusations. That verdict remains under appeal and was not affected by the July 4 ruling.
FAQs
What did the judge decide?
The judge denied Trump’s request for more time to respond.
How much money is at issue?
About $5.8 million, including accrued interest.
Why did Trump ask for a delay?
He cited a change in legal counsel.
What was Trump found liable for?
Sexual abuse and defamation in a 2023 civil trial.
Is there another Carroll case pending?
Yes, an $83.3 million defamation verdict is still on appeal.
