New York lawyers representing E. Jean Carroll, the writer who was awarded an $83.3 million defamation judgment against former President Donald Trump, are urging a judge to reject Trump’s attempts to avoid posting security for the payment. In a submission to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, Carroll’s lawyers argued that Trump’s promises to pay the judgment are not credible and compared them to “scribbles on a paper napkin.” They criticized Trump’s reasoning for seeking relief, which they believe boils down to “trust me.”
The hefty judgment was the outcome of a trial presided over by Judge Kaplan. However, another judge has recently imposed a $454 million civil fraud penalty against Trump and his company, following allegations of scheming to cheat banks and insurers by inflating Trump’s wealth. An appellate judge has already denied a request to halt the collection of this penalty.
Trump’s lawyers had asked Judge Kaplan to suspend the defamation award, claiming that there is a strong probability it will be reduced or eliminated upon appeal. They argued that the combined punitive and compensatory damages of $83.3 million are excessively high.
In response to Trump’s request, Judge Kaplan noted the delay in the request and Trump’s plea to avoid posting any security. He declined to issue a stay without giving Carroll’s attorneys an opportunity to respond. Carroll’s lawyers seized this opportunity to mock Trump, accusing him of seeking to avoid his financial obligations with flimsy legal arguments.
Carroll’s lawyers further asserted that Trump’s request is prohibited by the law and lacks solid legal authority. They also expressed concerns about Trump’s financial standing, considering the ongoing criminal cases and the $454 million judgment against him.
The defamation trial concluded with a verdict in January, where the jury was instructed to rely on a previous jury’s findings that awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. The jurors believed that Trump sexually abused Carroll in 1996 and defamed her in 2022. Throughout the trial, Trump expressed his disbelief in Carroll’s claims through his courtroom behavior, including head shakes and mutterings.
Carroll’s lawyers argued for a substantial award, citing Trump’s continued defamatory statements during the trial and the impact on Carroll’s income and reputation. They highlighted the need for financial restitution and increased security measures to protect Carroll.
In summary, Carroll’s lawyers are questioning the credibility of Trump’s promises to pay the $83.3 million defamation judgment and are urging the judge to reject his request to avoid posting security. They argue that Trump’s legal arguments lack substance and that recent developments raise concerns about his financial position. Meanwhile, Trump’s lawyers contend that the damages awarded are excessively high and should be reduced. The final decision on whether to grant Trump’s request or uphold the judgment will rest with Judge Kaplan.