Jury Finds Donald Trump Sexually Abused, Defamed E. Jean Carroll

A jury in New York found former President Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation toward advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, awarding her $5 million. 

Details: Carroll claimed Trump raped her in a department store in the 1990s. Trump denied the claim and declined to testify in the trial, but was deposed in a now-released video. The case also included a defamation lawsuit from Carroll, who claimed Trump defamed her reputation in 2022 when he deemed her allegations a “complete con job.” The jury determined Trump did not rape Carroll, but did sexually abuse her, another form of sexual battery, and that he defamed her. Trump stated his intention to appeal the decision. 

Key Quotes: During her testimony, Carroll stated, “I’m here because Donald Trump raped me, and when I wrote about it, he said it didn’t happen. He lied and shattered my reputation, and I’m here to try and get my life back.” Following the jury announcement, Trump posted a message on Truth Social reading, “I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHO THIS WOMAN IS. THIS VERDICT IS A DISGRACE - A CONTINUATION OF THE GREATEST WITCH HUNT OF ALL TIME!” 

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum prominently covered the trial’s conclusion on Tuesday. The Hill’s coverage noted that this is the “first time that Trump has been found liable for sexual misconduct at a trial.” The Associated Press stated that the verdict “could haunt the former president as he campaigns to regain the White House.”