Atlanta, Georgia – Former President Donald Trump may try to avoid paying the millions of dollars awarded to E. Jean Carroll following their defamation case, according to his biographer, Tim O’Brien. A recent ruling found Trump liable of defamation and ordered him to pay $83.3 million to Carroll. O’Brien believes that Trump may resist complying with the court’s decision.
O’Brien explained that while Trump has the financial means to pay, he is unlikely to willingly part with the money. Trump’s wealth primarily consists of urban skyscrapers and golf courses, assets that have been devalued due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift away from urban centers. These assets are not easily liquidated.
In February, a jury found Trump liable of defamation against Carroll, who had accused him of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s. This ruling came shortly after another ruling that ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million for the assault. Despite the judgments against him, Trump maintains his innocence and intends to appeal the latest ruling.
During an interview, O’Brien emphasized that the financial judgments greatly concern Trump. He explained that Trump’s perspective is heavily influenced by money, and it affects every aspect of his life. O’Brien suggested that the Carroll case may trouble Trump more than other ongoing cases, such as the federal indictments.
Dave Aronberg, the state attorney for Palm Beach County in Florida, cautioned Trump against using campaign funds to pay Carroll. He stated that diverting campaign funds for personal use would be a crime. Aronberg noted that Trump could seek financial support from his supporters but would need to be transparent about the purpose of the funds.
It remains to be seen how Trump will respond to the court’s judgment and whether he will attempt to evade paying Carroll. As of now, there has been no comment from Trump’s spokesperson regarding the matter. The case continues to generate significant attention and raises questions about accountability and financial obligations.