Federal Appeals Court Upholds S*xual Abuse Verdict Against Trump

A federal appeals court has upheld the jury’s decision that found former President Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll. This decision also denied Trump’s request for a new trial, marking a significant legal setback for the former president.

Trump had contested the $5 million civil verdict, arguing that the trial judge committed several errors, including allowing testimony from two other women who alleged that Trump had sexually assaulted them. Despite these claims, the appeals court determined that the trial judge acted within his discretion when ruling on the evidence presented. The court further stated that even if there were any mistakes, they did not affect the fairness of the trial or warrant a retrial, given the strength of Carroll’s case.

Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, thanking the Second Circuit Court for its thorough evaluation of the arguments. This verdict stands as a key milestone in Carroll’s legal battle against Trump, although it is not the only case she has pursued. In a separate lawsuit, a jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million after concluding that Trump had defamed her by publicly denying the allegations of sexual abuse. Trump has also appealed that verdict.

The origins of Carroll’s case date back decades. She accused Trump of raping her in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store. When Trump denied her claims, stating she was not his type and suggesting the allegations were fabricated to promote her book, Carroll filed a defamation lawsuit. Although the jury did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that Trump raped her, it did find that he sexually abused her, which was enough to hold him liable for battery.

Carroll was able to bring the lawsuit under the “New York State Adult Survivors Act.” This legislation created a temporary window allowing victims of sexual assault to file claims even if the statute of limitations had long since expired. The act has provided a pathway for survivors like Carroll to seek justice after many years.

Despite the court’s decision, Trump and his legal team remain defiant. Steven Cheung, a senior spokesperson for Trump, indicated that further appeals are on the horizon. Cheung denounced the verdict as politically motivated, labeling it part of what he called a series of “witch hunts” funded by Democrats. He also framed the case as part of broader efforts to undermine Trump’s political ambitions.

In his statement, Cheung emphasized Trump’s continued influence, asserting that the former president has widespread public support. He also reiterated Trump’s intent to unite the country and make significant changes in his potential return to the White House. However, these legal challenges continue to shadow Trump as he navigates both his political aspirations and a growing list of courtroom battles.

This verdict adds to Trump’s mounting legal troubles, yet it also represents a significant moment for Carroll and other survivors of sexual assault. By pursuing this case under newly available legal frameworks, Carroll has spotlighted the lasting impact of such allegations, even decades after the events took place. For now, Trump faces the prospect of ongoing legal appeals and the persistent public scrutiny surrounding his actions.