Appeals Court Upholds Controversial Verdict in Politically Charged Civil Case
New York, NY — President Donald Trump was dealt a serious legal setback on Friday as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit refused to reconsider a civil jury’s verdict that found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in a case brought by former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll.
The appellate court’s decision means the only legal option left for President Trump is to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court—potentially making this a landmark legal battle heading into the 2024 election.
Trump-Appointed Judges Dissent Over Evidence Bias
Notably, two judges appointed by President Trump dissented, strongly criticizing the lower court for allowing what they described as “prejudicial and irrelevant” evidence to influence the jury. Their main concern was the inclusion of the infamous Access Hollywood tape, which they argued had no connection to the specific claims made by Carroll.
“This decision opens the door for politically motivated trials where prior, unrelated conduct is used to sway jurors unfairly,” the judges warned.
Trump Denies Allegations, Calls Case a Political Hit Job
The case stems from Carroll’s 2019 memoir, in which she alleged that Trump assaulted her in a department store in the 1990s. Trump has consistently and forcefully denied the accusation, stating:
- He never met Carroll
- She was “not his type”
- The claim was made up to promote book sales
His repeated public denials became the basis for Carroll’s defamation claims, which led to two high-dollar jury awards—$5 million in 2023 and a staggering $83 million in early 2024.
Trump’s legal team has appealed both verdicts and is pursuing every legal avenue available.
Conservatives Raise Alarm Over Judicial Overreach
Many conservative Americans view the case as yet another example of weaponized lawfare aimed at damaging Trump politically.
Legal scholars across the spectrum have raised concerns about the use of so-called “propensity evidence”—material not directly related to the case but allowed in to paint the defendant in a negative light.
“If this precedent stands, it could become open season on conservative figures through the courts,” one legal analyst said.
What’s Next for Trump? Supreme Court Showdown Possible
With the appeals court refusing to intervene, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court, which may decide whether to take up the case. If it does, the outcome could set major precedent not just for Trump—but for how civil cases involving public figures are handled nationwide.
As 2024 approaches, these legal battles may only further energize Trump’s base, many of whom see these lawsuits as part of a coordinated effort by the political establishment to silence their movement.