Trump Denied Latest Bid to Delay $5.8m Judgment Payment to E Jean Carroll

Donald Trump’s ongoing battle to delay payment of the $5.8m judgment owed to E Jean Carroll has reached a dead end, as federal court Judge Lewis Kaplan rejected his request for more time to pay.

The timing of this ruling is significant, coming just after the US Supreme Court refused to review the jury’s 2023 verdict in the case. Trump’s attorneys attempted to spin their client’s lack of preparedness as a legitimate reason for an extension, but this argument was effectively debunked by Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan.

With Trump’s former lead counsel, Justin Smith, confirmed as a federal judge in June, it is clear that his team is trying to buy time to concoct some new basis for delaying payment. However, Judge Kaplan pointed out that Trump had ample opportunity to retain new counsel before now, suggesting that his team is more concerned with stalling than pursuing a just outcome.

The case raises important questions about presidential immunity and accountability, particularly when it comes to statements made by the President during their tenure in office. Trump’s appeal of the Manhattan civil jury’s $83.3m award to Carroll has sparked concerns that he may seek to conjoin this case with his defamation suit, potentially wiping out both judgments.

Judge Kaplan’s rejection of Trump’s motion sets the stage for an intense showdown over the next few weeks. With time running out for Trump to release funds from the escrow account, it remains to be seen whether he will ultimately come through with payment or continue to drag his feet.

This episode serves as a reminder of Trump’s long-standing pattern of delay and denial when it comes to accountability. From attempting to block the release of his tax returns to stalling on paying damages to victims of his alleged misconduct, Trump has consistently demonstrated a willingness to use any means necessary to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.

The outcome of this case will have significant implications not just for Trump himself but also for the broader public. As Carroll’s lawyer astutely pointed out, Trump’s attempts to delay payment are likely motivated by his desire to “try to concoct some new basis to put off paying plaintiff presumably in connection with his forthcoming petition and motion for a rehearing.”

Judge Kaplan has made it clear that he will not be swayed by Trump’s efforts to stall. With the clock ticking, the question now is what will happen next – and how this case will ultimately contribute to a broader reckoning with accountability for those who abuse power.