Manhattan, New York City – Former President Donald Trump is seeking a new trial or a substantial reduction in the $83.3 million in damages awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll in her defamation case. Trump’s lawyers argue that U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan limited the former president’s defense during his brief testimony, which lasted less than five minutes. They claim that this restriction influenced the jury’s verdict, making a new trial necessary.
Trump’s legal team filed a 44-page document, affirming that the court restricted the scope of Trump’s testimony just before he took the stand. They assert that Trump was only able to answer two questions, one of which was objected to. Trump denied instructing anyone to harm Carroll and stated that he only aimed to defend himself, his family, and the presidency.
The filing states that Carroll’s lawyer objected to Trump’s remarks, and the judge sustained the objection, instructing the jury to disregard his statements beyond the word “no.” Trump’s lawyers argue that this decision was erroneous and had a prejudicial effect on the jury’s verdict, warranting a new trial.
In addition to requesting a new trial, Trump’s legal team also contends that the $83.3 million awarded by the jury exceeds similar verdicts and should be reduced. They argue that the jury’s award is greatly disproportionate and unjust.
Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault in the 1990s, and in 2019, Trump made statements about her that she deemed defamatory. Trump’s post on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressed his dissatisfaction with the legal system and claimed that his First Amendment rights had been infringed upon.
While Carroll’s legal team has yet to comment on the filing, efforts to collect the awarded damages could commence as early as next week. The outcome of Trump’s request for a new trial or a reduction in damages remains to be seen and will likely have significant implications for the legal battle between Trump and Carroll.