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The Supreme Court on Monday rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt for a second time to overturn a jury verdict that awarded writer E. Jean Carroll $5 million in damages for sexual abuse and defamation.
The justices’ decision leaves the judgment intact and closes another avenue for Trump to challenge the verdict. Trump has already paid the $5 million award, plus interest.
The president had asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its June decision rejecting his initial appeal. Such requests are rarely granted, making Trump’s second attempt an unusual move.
Supreme Court declines to reopen case
The case stems from a federal lawsuit Carroll filed in New York City accusing Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store dressing room in 1996.
A federal jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation and awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.
The defamation portion of the case centered on statements Trump made about Carroll after leaving his first term in office. Trump called her allegations a “con job” and a “hoax.”
Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing and has said he does not know Carroll.
Monday’s Supreme Court action means the justices will not revisit their earlier refusal to hear Trump’s challenge to the $5 million verdict.
Trump faces separate Carroll appeal
The Supreme Court is still expected to consider another legal battle between Trump and Carroll later this year.
That case involves a separate defamation judgment in which Carroll was awarded $83 million over statements Trump made about her while he was president during his first term.
The $83 million case raises a different legal question, including whether Trump can claim presidential immunity for statements he made while serving in office.
An appeals court has paused collection of that judgment while the litigation continues.
The two cases have proceeded separately, meaning Monday’s decision does not resolve Trump’s remaining appeal over the larger $83 million award.
Trump’s legal battles with Carroll continue
The Supreme Court’s decision represents another defeat for Trump in his effort to overturn the $5 million judgment.
It also leaves in place a jury’s finding that Trump was legally responsible for sexual abuse and defamatory statements against Carroll.
The president has continued to deny Carroll’s allegations and has challenged the judgments through the courts.
For now, however, the $5 million verdict has reached a final stop at the Supreme Court.
The remaining $83 million appeal could become the next major test of Trump’s legal exposure in the Carroll litigation, particularly because it involves the constitutional and legal protections afforded to a sitting president.
