Supreme Court to Consider Trump's Appeal of E. Jean Carroll Verdict

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The Supreme Court has scheduled President Trump's petition seeking review of the jury verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll and defaming her. The justices will consider taking up Trump's appeal at their Feb. 20 meeting, where they will decide whether to hear the case alongside dozens of other petitions. Trump has maintained he did not assault Carroll, and his appeal revolves around the evidence the jury saw during the civil trial, including testimony from other women who have accused him of misconduct.

Why it matters

This case has significant political and legal implications, as it involves a former president being held accountable for alleged sexual abuse and defamation. The Supreme Court's decision on whether to take up the appeal could have far-reaching consequences for Trump and the ongoing legal battles surrounding his conduct.

The details

A federal jury in New York found Trump liable in 2023 for sexually abusing Carroll in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the mid-1990s and defaming her by denying her story when she came forward during Trump's first presidency. The jury ordered Trump to pay $5 million. Trump has appealed the verdict, arguing that the introduction of evidence about other women's accusations and the 'Access Hollywood' tape violated federal evidence rules. He also claims he should have been allowed to cross-examine Carroll about certain subjects and tell jurors about a Democratic megadonor that helped the advice columnist pay her legal bills.

• The Supreme Court scheduled Trump's petition for consideration at their Feb. 20 meeting.
• The jury verdict finding Trump liable was reached in 2023.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Supreme Court will decide at their Feb. 20 meeting whether to take up Trump's appeal of the jury verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll and defaming her.