The big payday
Donald Trump has paid former columnist E Jean Carroll $5.62 million – the $5 million jury award plus interest – after a 2023 New York civil judgment found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
Why the delay hit headlines
When Trump’s legal team first tried to postpone the payment to push for a Supreme Court review, the judge overruled them and ordered the money to be released. The case became a media flashpoint as Trump’s supporters called it a “witch‑hunt” and opponents highlighted the seriousness of the claims.
The lawsuit in a nutshell
Carroll alleged that in the mid‑1990s Trump stalked her in a Manhattan department‑store dressing room and later denied the allegations on Truth Social, calling her a liar. The civil suit focused on both the alleged assault and the defamation carried out on the social media platform.
What this means for Trump’s legacy
Beyond the money, the verdict serves as a stark reminder of how high‑profile lawsuits can shape public perception. Even Trump’s supporters face new scrutiny as a clean monetary settlement is drawn up, urging the former president to take a more serious stance on past accusations.
Source: BBC News, July 14, 2026
