On Monday, President Trump urged the Supreme Court to dismiss a jury’s ruling that found him liable for sexual abuse against author E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s, according to his legal representatives.
Carroll has sued Trump twice before, securing a total of $88.3 million in damages. This request is the first time the case has reached the high court.
In 2023, a jury concluded that Trump sexually assaulted Carroll in a fitting room at a Manhattan department store and further defamed her when he publicly denied her allegations during his presidency. A $5 million penalty was imposed on him.
Trump’s 33-page submission to the Supreme Court describes Carroll’s claims as “seemingly implausible” and suggests they are politically motivated. The petition urges the justices to overturn various evidentiary decisions that, according to Trump, compromised the integrity of the trial.
While the petition isn’t officially on record yet, The Hill has obtained a copy from Trump’s legal team.
In the document, it is asserted that “Ms. Carroll waited over 20 years to falsely accuse her political opponent, Donald Trump,” claiming she targeted him because of his presidency, which, they say, would amplify the alleged political fallout.
Trump contends that the jury was improperly influenced by the “Access Hollywood” tape and testimonies from other women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, allegations he denies.
His legal team argued that these tapes were introduced with the aim of unfairly biasing the jury.
A mid-level appellate court turned down a similar request in June with an 8-2 ruling.
Generally, the Supreme Court refrains from cases centered solely on correcting errors. However, Trump’s attorneys claim the evidentiary ruling raises multiple legal issues that have led to differing opinions among lower courts.
The Hill has contacted Carroll’s publicist for a response.
A spokesperson from Trump’s legal team stated, “The American people stand with President Trump in calling for an immediate end to the Democrat-funded witch hunt, including the farce of the Carroll hoax. President Trump will continue to win against liberal legislation as he focuses on making America great again.”
The Supreme Court justices are expected to review Trump’s petition behind closed doors later this term.
A previous ruling determined that the jury’s decision also holds Trump accountable in a separate defamation lawsuit filed by Carroll, which resulted in an award of $83.3 million. This case has not yet been brought before the Supreme Court.
