Former President Donald Trump has been granted the ability to postpone payment of the $83.3 million awarded to E. Jean Carroll by a federal jury until he exhausts all available appeal options, according to a report by The New York Times.
The jury's decision on Friday stemmed from a 2019 defamation case in which Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s, a claim he vehemently denied. Trump, deeming the ruling "absolutely ridiculous," promptly announced his intention to appeal, reported The Hill.
While Trump has the option to pay the multimillion-dollar sum to the court, which would retain the funds during the appeal process, he also has the alternative of pursuing a bond. This approach would allow him to avoid an immediate upfront payment, but it entails providing a deposit and collateral accompanied by interest and fees. Securing such a bond necessitates finding a willing lender prepared to extend a substantial sum.
The recent ruling compounds a previous judgment ordering Trump to pay $5 million to Carroll for sexual abuse and defamation related to a separate incident. Last year, Trump appealed that decision, thereby delaying immediate payment to Carroll.
The trial became entwined with the primary race, further complicating Trump's already demanding legal landscape as he pursues his third presidential campaign.
The former president, a front-runner in the GOP primary, showcased a preference for using funds from his political action committee to cover legal expenses. However, the latest judgment, substantially exceeding the amount in his political accounts, may require Trump to dip into his personal finances.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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