A federal Judge denied Former President Donald Trump’s request to delay the enforcement and ordered him to pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million by Monday or post bond.
Earlier this year, a federal jury decided the former president must pay E. Jean Carroll more than $83 million in damages after he denied allegations he raped her in a department store in the 1990s.
The jury ultimately decided that Trump must pay $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages.
Although Trump appealed the decision, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan demanded Trump pay the damages by Monday.
“Mr. Trump’s current situation is a result of his own dilatory actions,” Kaplan wrote.
“He has had since January 26 to organize his finances with the knowledge that he might need to bond this judgment, yet he waited until 25 days after the jury verdict.”
Kaplan added:
Trump has not “made any showing of what expenses he might incur if required to post a bond or other security, on what terms (if any) he could obtain a conventional bond, or post cash or other assets to secure payment of the judgment, or any other circumstances relevant to the situation.”
He continued:
“Accordingly, his present application for a temporary administrative stay is denied.”
Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung responded to the ruling, telling Fox News, “This is a continuation of a totally lawless Witch Hunt.”
“President Trump filed a timely motion to stay the ridiculous judgment, and many courts, including the Second Circuit, recognize the importance of temporary administrative stays while such motions are considered,” Cheung said.
“We look forward to continuing to litigate the case and to complete vindication of the Truth.”
The filing came just days after Trump’s lawyer filed motions for a new trial in the case, arguing that the court gives the former president limited testimony during the trial and that his statements regarding the allegations were meant to “defend his reputation, protect his family, and defend his Presidency.”
Trump’s lawyers argue that the court severely limited Trump’s testimony, adding that it significantly influenced the jury’s verdict.
Last year, a federal jury in New York City decided Trump was not liable for rape but was liable for sexual abuse and defamation, ordering him to pay $5 million in that trial.
“Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party,” Trump posted on his Truth Social after the verditc.
“Our Legal System is out of control and being used as a Political Weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment Rights.”
Carroll was seeking $12 million.
Trump has vehemently denied the allegation, which resulted in Carroll filing a defamation lawsuit against Trump for his response.
The jury found Carroll was injured due to the statements Trump made while in the White House in June 2019.
Carroll was awarded $7.3 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in damages for the reputational repair program.
The jury found Trump’s statements were harmful to Carroll, awarding her $65 million in punitive damages.
The jury said Carroll should be paid a total of $83.3 million.
