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E. Jean Carroll Receives $5.6 Million Payment From Donald Trump
President Donald Trump has paid writer E. Jean Carroll $5.6 million in damages after a jury found him liable for sexually abusing her in the 1990s and defaming her. The payment, which includes post-judgment interest, was disbursed on July 9, 2026, marking the conclusion of a years-long legal battle. Carroll, 82, confirmed the payment with the phrase 'The eagle has landed', signaling that justice had finally been served.
The case stems from an incident in the mid-1990s when Trump allegedly sexually assaulted Carroll in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store in New York City. Carroll, then an advice columnist for Elle magazine, kept the incident private for decades until publishing her memoir in 2019. Trump denied the allegations, stating she was 'not my type' and that she fabricated the story to sell books.
Background of the Case
Carroll filed her first lawsuit in 2019 under New York's Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily allowed victims of sexual assault to file claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations. In May 2023, a federal jury in Manhattan found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. The jury did not find Trump liable for rape, but the judge later clarified that the finding of sexual abuse legally constitutes rape under New York law.
Trump appealed the verdict multiple times, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his case in June 2026. Following the Supreme Court's decision, Judge Lewis Kaplan ordered the funds — which Trump had deposited into a court-controlled account in 2023 — to be released to Carroll. The payment totaled $5,625,005.48, including interest.
Carroll's Response and Plans
Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, confirmed receipt of the funds, stating, 'We are pleased to report that the money has been received.' Carroll herself celebrated the milestone, posting on social media that 'The eagle has landed' — a phrase used to indicate a successful mission. She has indicated she plans to use the money to supplement her retirement income.
The payment represents a significant victory for Carroll, who has faced years of public attacks from Trump and his supporters. In a statement, Carroll said the case was 'not just for me but for every woman who has suffered because she was not believed.'
Ongoing Legal Battle Over $83.3 Million Verdict
While the $5.6 million payment resolves the first lawsuit, Trump continues to appeal a separate $83.3 million defamation verdict from January 2024. That case arose after Trump denied the jury's finding and continued to defame Carroll. A federal appeals court upheld the $83.3 million award in April 2026, and Trump has signaled he will appeal to the Supreme Court on grounds of presidential immunity.
Trump's legal team has also indicated they may seek to recover the $5.6 million paid to Carroll, arguing that the verdict was flawed. Legal experts, however, consider such efforts unlikely to succeed given the multiple court rulings against Trump. The ongoing appeals highlight the complex legal landscape surrounding presidential immunity claims and defamation law.
The $83.3 million verdict — one of the largest defamation awards in U.S. history — remains under appeal, meaning Carroll has not yet collected that sum. Trump's lawyers have argued that the damages are excessive and that Trump's statements were protected under presidential immunity, a claim that courts have so far rejected.
Impact and Implications
The payment marks a rare instance where a sitting U.S. president has been held financially accountable for sexual misconduct. While the amounts involved are relatively small compared to Trump's wealth — he earned over $1 billion in his first year of his second term through crypto deals, branded products, and other ventures — the legal and symbolic significance is substantial.
The case has also spotlighted the Adult Survivors Act and statute of limitations reforms, which have enabled numerous victims to seek justice for decades-old assaults. Carroll's victory has been hailed by advocacy groups as a landmark moment for survivors of sexual violence.
Trump has not publicly commented on the payment, and his press office declined to respond to inquiries. The White House has not issued any statement regarding the transfer of funds.
FAQ: Trump and E. Jean Carroll Case
What did Trump pay E. Jean Carroll?
Trump paid Carroll $5,625,005.48, which includes the $5 million jury award plus post-judgment interest, stemming from a 2023 verdict finding him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
Why did Trump have to pay?
A federal jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and defaming her when he denied the allegations. After exhausting his appeals, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, and a judge ordered the funds released.
Is Trump still appealing the $83.3 million verdict?
Yes. The $83.3 million defamation verdict from January 2024 remains under appeal. Trump has argued presidential immunity and excessive damages, but an appeals court upheld the verdict in April 2026.
What will Carroll do with the money?
Carroll has stated she plans to use the $5.6 million to supplement her retirement income and place it in an interest-bearing account while the appeals process continues.
Does this mean Trump was convicted of a crime?
No. This was a civil case, not a criminal prosecution. The jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, but he faces no criminal penalties and does not have to register as a sex offender.
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