Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Carroll Verdict Appeal 2026

The Supreme Court has once again rejected Donald Trump’s bid to overturn the E Jean Carroll verdict, cementing the jury’s 2023 finding that he sexually abused and defamed the writer. This final decision ends a multi-year legal battle and upholds the $5 million civil judgment against the former president.

Supreme Court’s Final Rejection

In an unsigned order on Monday, the Supreme Court denied Trump’s petition for rehearing, effectively closing the door on any further appeals. The court did not provide an explanation, simply listing the case under “rehearings denied.” This follows the court’s initial refusal in June to hear the appeal, after which Trump’s legal team sought reconsideration.

Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s attorney, expressed satisfaction, stating: “We are pleased that the United States supreme court has declined again to hear this case. As a result, the jury’s unanimous verdict that Donald Trump sexually assaulted and then defamed E Jean Carroll is now final and cannot be challenged in any court.”

Background of the Case

The case stems from a 2023 trial where a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and for defaming her when he denied the allegations. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages, which Trump deposited into a court-held account with interest. In July, after the Supreme Court’s first refusal, a Manhattan federal judge ordered the release of those funds, totaling approximately $5.6 million, to Carroll.

Trump has consistently denied the allegations, and his legal team argued that the verdict should be overturned on grounds of presidential immunity and other legal technicalities. However, both the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court have rejected these arguments.

Legal Implications and Precedents

This decision reinforces the principle that civil verdicts against public figures, including presidents, can stand after a fair trial. It also highlights the limits of presidential immunity in civil cases involving conduct that predates or is unrelated to official duties.

Impact on Trump’s Legal Battles

This ruling does not affect other ongoing cases against Trump, including the separate defamation suit that resulted in an $83.3 million judgment in 2024. However, it sets a precedent that courts will not shield presidents from civil liability for actions taken before or outside their official capacity.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court’s decision is final, ending Trump’s appeals in the Carroll case.
• The $5 million verdict, now with interest, has been paid to Carroll.
• This ruling underscores the judiciary’s independence in high-profile civil cases.
• Trump’s legal team has exhausted all federal appeal options.

FAQ

This Supreme Court decision marks a definitive end to one of the most closely watched civil cases involving a sitting president. It reaffirms the rule of law and the finality of jury verdicts, even when the defendant holds the highest office in the land.

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