Let’s pray this money doesn’t end up in Biden’s hands.
E. Jean Carroll, a former columnist, recently shared her plans for the $83.3 million judgment she obtained in her defamation case against former President Trump. Accusing Trump of raping her in a New York City department store dressing room in the 1990s, Carroll expressed her intention not to squander the funds but rather use them for a positive cause.
In a conversation with the New York Times at her lawyer’s office, Carroll revealed her desire to invest in premium dog food for her Great Pyrenees and pit bull as a small luxury for her pets. This discussion marked her first public statement since a jury determined that Trump had maliciously damaged her reputation in 2019 when she publicly disclosed her accusations against him.
The jury awarded Carroll $18 million for personal harm compensation and an additional $65 million as punitive damages, potentially serving as a deterrent against social media attacks. Earlier, a different jury had found Trump responsible for sexually abusing Carroll and awarded her $5 million.
As Carroll and her legal team gear up for anticipated appeals, she hinted at undisclosed plans for utilizing the awarded sum. Carroll expressed her gratitude for the jury’s decision, highlighting the overwhelming feeling she experienced upon learning the amount of the judgment and emphasizing the importance of the victory for women, especially in the context of challenges to abortion access.
Carroll’s lead lawyer, Roberta A. Kaplan, suggested that the significant financial impact might dissuade Trump from further attacks on Carroll through platforms like Truth Social. However, Trump quickly denounced the verdict on Truth Social, vowing to appeal and criticizing the legal system.
Carroll initially sued Trump for defamation in 2019, alleging that his denials of her rape allegations harmed her reputation. The legal proceedings were prolonged due to debates over Trump’s presidential duties protecting him from liability. Carroll, among the first to benefit from changes in New York law allowing survivors to sue for past sexual abuse, filed a new claim against Trump.
Despite Trump’s and his supporters’ efforts to challenge Carroll’s credibility, including references to past controversial statements, the recent verdict stands as a significant legal victory for Carroll and a potential financial setback for Trump.