A federal judge in New York has ordered the release of $5 million in funds previously deposited by Donald Trump with the court, clearing the way for payment to writer E. Jean Carroll. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, follows the resolution of legal hurdles that had prevented the transfer of the judgment funds while appeals were pending, according to official court filings.
The total amount, which includes interest, stems from a 2023 civil jury verdict that found Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation against E. Jean Carroll. While the figure is often cited in media reports as approximately $5 million depending on accrued interest, the court’s recent administrative action marks the transition of these funds from an escrow-style account held by the court to the plaintiff, as detailed in records from the Southern District of New York.
Legal Context of the Judgment
The payment originates from a May 2023 jury decision in which Donald Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The jury awarded E. Jean Carroll $5 million in damages at that time. To prevent the immediate enforcement of the judgment while he pursued an appeal, Donald Trump was required to post a bond or deposit the full amount with the court, a standard procedure under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 62, which governs stay of proceedings to enforce a judgment.
The legal dispute intensified when Donald Trump challenged the court’s refusal to delay the payment further while his appeal moved through the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On March 8, 2024, the appeals court rejected a bid to stay the enforcement, prompting Judge Kaplan to authorize the release of the funds. This decision signifies that the judgment is now enforceable despite the ongoing appellate process, a point clarified by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in their procedural orders regarding the case.
Financial Obligations and Interest
The final amount paid to E. Jean Carroll encompasses the original $5 million jury award plus post-judgment interest that accrued during the period the money was held by the court. Because federal law mandates the payment of interest on money judgments, the final sum exceeds the initial verdict amount. According to U.S. federal court guidelines, the interest rate is determined based on the weekly average 1-year constant maturity Treasury yield, which ensures the plaintiff is compensated for the delay in receiving the awarded damages.
The transfer of these funds is a significant milestone in a series of legal confrontations between the two parties. Beyond this specific judgment, E. Jean Carroll secured an additional multi-million dollar defamation verdict against Donald Trump in a separate trial in January 2024, which is currently subject to its own appellate challenges. The current payment of $5 million relates exclusively to the 2023 verdict, as confirmed by court docket entries.
Next Steps in the Appellate Process
While the funds are being released, the underlying appeal regarding the 2023 verdict remains active. Donald Trump maintains that the trial process was flawed, while E. Jean Carroll’s legal team continues to defend the jury’s findings. The next scheduled phase involves the formal briefing and oral arguments before the Second Circuit, where the court will review whether any reversible errors occurred during the trial proceedings.
For those tracking the case, official documents and docket updates are available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which provides the most accurate, real-time information regarding filings and judicial orders. As the case progresses, further updates will be provided as new motions are filed or rulings are issued by the appellate judges.
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