A federal appeals court temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s $83 million defamation payment to writer E. Jean Carroll this week, with conditions requiring Trump to post nearly $100 million in bonds while the case potentially heads to the Supreme Court.

Court Grants Stay With Bond Requirement

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued its order Monday after Trump requested a pause on his earlier ruling denying him a chance to challenge the defamation award before the full appeals court. The court granted Trump’s request on condition he increase his bond by $7.46 million to account for interest accruing during further legal proceedings. Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, confirmed the total bond now exceeds $91 million, stating satisfaction with the Second Circuit’s conditions for the stay.

Background Of Carroll’s Claims

Carroll alleged in 2019 that Trump assaulted her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room during the 1990s, though she could not specify the date or year of the alleged incident. Trump has consistently denied the allegations, calling Carroll a “whack job” and stating she’s “not my type.” A Manhattan jury reached a verdict in May 2023, finding that Carroll did not prove rape but did prove sexual abuse, ordering Trump to pay $5 million. That judgment was upheld on appeal in 2024.

Separate $83 Million Judgment

In January 2024, a separate jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages to Carroll for defamation related to his 2019 statements about her allegations. Trump’s attempts to assert immunity over those statements were rejected by the courts. The appeals court ruling means Trump will not need to pay the $83 million award until the Supreme Court either reviews the case or declines to hear it, effectively delaying payment indefinitely while the legal process continues.

What Happens Next

The case now awaits potential Supreme Court consideration. Trump must maintain the substantial bond amount, which continues to accrue interest during the appeals process. Legal experts suggest the Supreme Court may decline to hear the case, which would trigger the payment requirement. Carroll’s legal team expressed confidence in their position, emphasizing the court’s requirement for Trump to post nearly $100 million in total bonds as a condition for the stay. The extended legal battle continues to generate significant attention as it potentially approaches the nation’s highest court for final resolution.