$83.3m Defamation Award Against Trump Stands, Rules U.S. Court

$83.3m Defamation Award Against Trump Stands, Rules U.S. Court

A U.S. federal appeals court has upheld the $83.3 million defamation award against former President Donald Trump, marking a major legal blow as he continues to juggle multiple lawsuits while campaigning for a potential return to the White House in 2025.

The ruling stems from Trump’s long-running defamation case involving writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of sexual assault in the 1990s. Although Trump denied the allegations, his repeated public remarks attacking Carroll’s credibility led to a jury earlier this year awarding her tens of millions in damages.

Trump’s legal team had argued that the award was excessive and politically motivated, seeking to overturn or reduce the penalty. However, the appeals court rejected those claims, stating that the damages reflected both the harm caused to Carroll’s reputation and Trump’s continued defamatory statements.

Legal analysts say the decision strengthens Carroll’s position while placing further financial and political pressure on Trump, who is already facing mounting legal costs. Despite the ruling, Trump has vowed to keep fighting the case and maintain his presidential ambitions.

The $83.3 million award remains one of the largest defamation judgments in U.S. history, underscoring the seriousness with which courts are treating defamatory remarks made by public figures.