Donald Trump ordered to pay $83mn in landmark defamation case over sexual assault claims

A New York jury has ruled that former US president and 2024 candidate Donald Trump must pay a staggering $83.3 million in compensation to writer E. Jean Carroll. 

The civil order, delivered in a federal court, surpassed the $10 million in defamation damages initially sought by Carroll. The jury's decision, which included $65 million in punitive damages, was reached in less than three hours of deliberations.

The case stems from Carroll's accusations of sexual assault against Trump in a department store dressing room in 1996. 

Last year, a federal jury found Donald Trump liable for this assault and subsequent defamation when he referred to Carroll as a "complete con job." The current verdict adds another layer to Trump's legal challenges as he faces multiple criminal cases, including allegations of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Donald Trump, absent during the announcement, swiftly criticised the ruling, labeling it "ridiculous" and asserting plans to appeal. His lawyer, Alina Habba, sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that threatening messages targeting Carroll began on social media before Trump's 2019 comments. However, her request was denied, keeping the focus squarely on the jury's resounding verdict.

During the trial, Trump briefly took the stand, denying any instruction to harm Carroll with his statements. Judge Lewis Kaplan limited Trump to three questions from his lawyers, emphasising yes or no answers to prevent any disparaging remarks about the court or Carroll. 

Donald Trump left the courtroom expressing discontent, saying, "This is not America." Despite not being required to attend the trial or testify, he has strategically used the case to fuel his claims of victimisation as he campaigns for a return to the White House in November.

Trump's use of his Truth Social platform to launch disparaging messages against Carroll, the trial, and the judge has turned the legal proceedings into a media spectacle. 

The tension in the courtroom was palpable, with Trump's attacks on social media becoming part of the evidence presented during the trial. The $11 million designated for a reputational repair programme underscores the impact of Trump's statements on Carroll's life and reputation.