Trump says Carroll verdict setback surprised him

President Donald Trump expressed surprise on Monday after the Supreme Court rejected his bid to overturn a $5 million civil verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the decision was unexpected and reiterated his denial of any wrongdoing, claiming the accusations were politically motivated. The Supreme Court's refusal marks another legal setback for Trump, who has spent years trying to have the verdict thrown out. Trump's legal team had argued that the case was a "fake case" brought by a woman he never met.

Roberta Kaplan, Carroll's attorney, responded to the ruling in an emailed statement to Axios, calling it a definitive affirmation of the jury's unanimous verdict. She emphasized that Trump's multiple efforts to appeal the verdict had all failed and that today's ruling ends his quest to avoid accountability for his actions. Kaplan's statement highlighted the legal team's satisfaction with the outcome and the finality of the decision in this particular case.

While the Supreme Court's rejection concludes this specific case, Trump's legal challenges are far from over. His lawyers have requested an appeals court to reconsider a separate ruling that requires Trump to pay Carroll $83.3 million. This request is still pending, and the legal battle continues. The ongoing litigation underscores the complexity of Trump's legal situation, with multiple cases proceeding simultaneously.

In September, an appeals court upheld the $83.3 million judgment, finding that Trump had made defamatory comments about Carroll. The three-judge panel determined that the jury's verdict and damages were "fair and reasonable" and noted that Trump acted with at least reckless disregard for the truth. This ruling further solidifies the legal consequences Trump faces for his statements and actions.

The Carroll case is just one of several legal battles Trump is involved in, including business disputes, tax issues, and other personal lawsuits. The Supreme Court's decision is seen as a significant moment in Trump's post-presidency legal struggles. Observers are closely watching how Trump will respond and what his next moves will be, as the legal landscape continues to evolve.