Trump Lawyers Seek Delay in Payment to E Jean Carroll

What Happened

In a recent development, lawyers representing former President Donald Trump have filed a request with the court to delay the payment of a $5.8 million civil judgment to E Jean Carroll, who alleged sexual abuse by Trump in 1996.

The initial jury awarded Carroll damages after finding that Trump had sexually abused her and then defamed her in 2019. Since then, interest on the award has brought the total amount to nearly $5.8 million. However, Trump’s legal team has been attempting to postpone the release of this sum.

Reasons for Delay

In their filing, Trump's attorneys stated that new lead counsel Josh Halpern needed more time 'to become completely familiar with the facts and procedural circumstances' of the case. A jury awarded Carroll damages after concluding that Trump had sexually abused her in 1996 and then defamed her after she publicly described the attack in 2019.

The lawyers argued that Carroll faces no significant risk if they are granted an extension, pointing out that the judgment is secured by court-held funds, including sufficient interest to cover any future accrued interest. They requested a new deadline for their response to Carroll's payment request until a date not specified in the filing.

Reactions and Future Moves

Carroll’s legal team, led by Roberta Kaplan, reacted swiftly with skepticism. Kaplan argued that the extension 'appears to be little more than yet another play for time,' given that Smith was nominated to his current post months ago and Trump had ample opportunity to secure new counsel.

Kaplan also hinted at potential future legal maneuvers. She wrote that Carroll's lawyers expect Trump to appeal a separate defamation judgment of $83 million, potentially seeking to 'buy time' while preparing for the appeal process. Additionally, Kaplan noted that there is a possibility that an appeal could be filed combining both judgments.

Source: The Guardian