Supreme Court finalizes E. Jean Carroll verdict, rejecting Trump's last appeal

Key points

• The Supreme Court denied Trump's petition for rehearing in the E. Jean Carroll case, making the $5 million verdict final.
• The court had previously denied Trump's initial appeal in June 2026; this latest rejection closes the door on further challenges to this specific judgment.
• Trump's legal team argued that presidential immunity issues in a separate case should affect this verdict, but the court offered no explanation for its denial.
• Carroll has received over $5.6 million, including post-judgment interest, following the finalization of the verdict.
• A separate $83.3 million defamation verdict against Trump remains pending before the Supreme Court.

Background

This case stems from a 2022 lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll, alleging sexual assault in the 1990s and subsequent defamation. A 2023 jury found Trump liable, awarding $5 million. Trump had previously lost appeals in the 2nd Circuit Court and the Supreme Court in June 2026. This latest denial follows a July 2026 request to reconsider the court's prior refusal to hear the case.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and CNN emphasize the finality of the verdict and the rarity of the court granting rehearing requests. CNBC highlights the financial outcome, noting Carroll received over $5.6 million. SCOTUSblog provides procedural context, noting the court's lack of explanation and the pending status of the separate $83.3 million case. Trump's legal team frames the case as a 'witch hunt,' while Carroll's attorney Roberta Kaplan confirms the verdict is now unchallengeable.

Why it matters

The decision closes a significant legal chapter for Trump, finalizing a civil liability judgment that had been contested through multiple appeals. It also sets the stage for the court's upcoming review of a separate, larger defamation case, where presidential immunity arguments may play a more central role.

What to watch

The Supreme Court is expected to consider Trump's petition to overturn the separate $83.3 million defamation verdict in the fall. No further action is expected in the $5 million case, as the rehearing request has been denied.