Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Bid to Overturn Carroll Verdict

The Supreme Court on Monday denied President Trump’s request to reconsider his appeal of writer E. Jean Carroll’s $5 million sexual‑abuse verdict. The Court issued a one‑sentence order, refusing the rehearing without comment or noted dissents. The decision follows a June ruling that the Court would not take up the case.

Carroll, a New York author, accused Trump of raping her in a Fifth Avenue hotel in 1996. After Trump sued her for defamation, a state jury awarded her $5 million in damages in 2023. Trump appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the case was politically motivated and that he was immune from civil suits. The Court declined to hear the appeal in June, and Trump filed a second request on Monday, which was again rejected.

The case is a rare instance of a former president facing a criminal‑style civil judgment for alleged sexual misconduct. It underscores the limits of presidential immunity and the reach of defamation law. Supporters of Trump see the denial as a vindication, while critics view it as a setback for accountability and a warning that high‑profile figures can still be held liable. The Court’s terse decision reflects its cautious stance on politically charged matters, leaving the state judgment in place.

With the Supreme Court’s refusal, the $5 million verdict remains enforceable in New York. Carroll can now pursue collection through state court mechanisms. Trump may seek further appeals in lower courts, but the Supreme Court’s ruling signals that the case will not advance to the highest level. The outcome will likely influence how future defamation suits against Trump are handled and will be watched closely by advocates for sexual‑assault survivors who see it as a test of legal accountability.