Trump says he’ll appeal ‘ridiculous’ E. Jean Carroll defamation ruling

Former President Trump said Friday he plans to appeal after a jury ordered him to pay $83.3 million for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, who had alleged he sexually assaulted her decades ago.

“Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Our Legal System is out of control, and being used as a Political Weapon.”

“They have taken away all First Amendment Rights,” he added. “THIS IS NOT AMERICA!”

Friday’s ruling by a jury in New York marked the second time Carroll has won damages from Trump at trial, with the new total adding to a $5 million verdict last year finding Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her over a separate comment.