Trump Seeks Reduced Damages or New Trial in E. Jean Carroll Defamation Case

In a surprising legal move, former President Donald Trump's legal team is pushing for a significant reduction in the $83.3 million jury award or a new trial in the defamation case filed by E. Jean Carroll.

Trump's Argument

Trump's lawyers argued that Judge Lewis Kaplan unfairly restricted Trump's testimony, which influenced the jury's verdict, thus justifying a new trial. They claimed that the jury should have been instructed to find that it was Trump's "exclusive desire to harm" Carroll.

Judge's Restrictions

Prior to the trial, Judge Kaplan limited Trump's testimony by preventing him from denying raping Carroll or making defamatory statements, based on a previous judgment by another jury in 2023. This restriction led to Trump answering only a few questions during the trial.

New Legal Effort

Alongside the request for a new trial, Trump has asked for more time to post the bond, with Carroll opposing the request, citing a lack of evidence of Trump's ability to afford the payment.

Focus on Testimony

Trump's attorneys emphasized a specific exchange during Trump's testimony, where he stated that he wanted to defend himself, his family, and the presidency, leading to objections from Carroll's attorney and subsequent striking of Trump's statement from the record.

Challenges to Jury Award

Trump's legal team reiterated arguments from the trial, contending that Carroll failed to link Trump's statements to the negative messages she received after going public about being assaulted by Trump in the mid-1990s. They also proposed significant reductions to the compensatory and punitive damages awarded by the jury.