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Appeals Court Lets Trump Delay Paying E. Jean Carroll $83 Million

On May 12, 2026, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed enforcement of an $83 million defamation judgment for E. Jean Carroll and required President Donald Trump to post a $7.4 million bond.[1]

The court said the bond is meant to cover potential additional interest that could accrue while Trump pursues his appeal.[1] The stay is intended to prevent collection of the award before the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether to take up Trump's appeal.[1]

E. Jean Carroll obtained the $83 million judgment in a defamation case that had been resolved in lower courts, and Trump appealed that ruling, leading to the 2nd Circuit's pause on enforcement.[1] The temporary stay leaves the underlying judgment intact while the legal process continues.[1]

  1. PBS News
Federal Courts Trump Legal Cases
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📌 Key Facts

  • On May 12, 2026, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed enforcement of the $83 million defamation judgment in favor of E. Jean Carroll.
  • The court required President Donald Trump to post a $7.4 million bond to cover potential additional interest during the appeal period.
  • The stay is intended to keep Trump from having to pay the award before the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether to hear his appeal.

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May 12, 2026