New York City, NY – Former President Donald J. Trump has been ordered to pay writer E. Jean Carroll a staggering $83.3 million in her second defamation case against him. The jury’s verdict sends a clear message that every time Trump defamed Carroll by calling her a liar or disparaging her motives, he was perpetuating abuse. It revealed his belief that his wealth and power entitled him to treat her however he pleased.
The damages awarded in the case were divided into compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages, totaling $18.3 million, aim to compensate for the plaintiff’s expenses resulting from the defendant’s actions. Here, $11 million was awarded for reputation repair and $7.3 million for emotional harm.
Evidence brought forward during the trial highlighted the damage caused by Trump’s defamatory statements. Northwestern University professor Ashlee Humphreys testified that articles, tweets, and TV broadcasts referencing Trump’s remarks had an enormous impact on Carroll’s reputation, reaching millions of viewers and leaving an impression on over 100 million people on the first day alone.
The $65 million in punitive damages, intended to punish and deter malicious behavior, is also legally sound. The verdict form used in the case required the jury to establish that Trump had acted with malice, spite, or willful disregard for Carroll’s rights before awarding punitive damages.
To be considered reasonable, punitive damages typically fall between four and ten times the amount of compensatory damages according to precedent set by the United States Supreme Court. In this case, the $65 million falls within that range, exceeding four times the compensatory damages. Some even argue that the amount is on the conservative side given Trump’s wealth and potential legal exposure in other cases.
Amidst the trial, Trump’s behavior worsened his own case. He took to social media to attack Carroll and insult her, posting nearly 750 words on his newly launched platform Truth Social. Trump even left the courtroom dramatically during Carroll’s lawyer’s closing argument, further highlighting his misconduct.
Some may argue that the damages awarded to Carroll are excessive and undeserved, but placing a dollar value on the violation of consent is inherently flawed. The true value lies in the freedom of individuals to control their own bodies and the freedom from violence and discrimination.
The outcome of this defamation case against Trump sends a powerful message: no one is above the consequences of their actions, regardless of wealth or power.