Former President Donald Trump has posted a $91.6 million bond to cover the defamation verdict in favor of writer E. Jean Carroll, marking the beginning of his appeal process. This move follows Trump’s branding of Carroll as a liar after she accused him of raping her decades ago, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The bond, provided by Federal Insurance Co, would cover Carroll’s $83.3 million judgment if Trump loses his appeal and refuses to pay. This decision allows Trump to delay payment to Carroll during the appeals process, which could extend over several years.
The defamation case originated from a Manhattan jury’s determination that Trump had defamed Carroll, a former Elle magazine columnist, in June 2019. The jury concluded that Trump’s denial of raping Carroll in the mid-1990s constituted defamation.
Trump faced a deadline of March 11 to secure the bond or set aside cash for the judgment after Judge Lewis Kaplan denied his request for a temporary reprieve. Kaplan also granted Carroll and her legal team until March 11 to register any objections to the bond.
Trump’s legal team had previously argued against posting security, claiming Carroll was adequately protected. However, Carroll disputed this assertion, stating it amounted to Trump saying “Trust me.” At present, neither Trump’s nor Carroll’s legal representatives have responded to requests for comment on the bond posting.
Trump’s presidential campaign characterized the judgment as “baseless” and part of a Democratic-backed “witch hunt.” Despite the financial burden, Trump still faces multiple legal challenges, including a civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, where he faces a $454.2 million verdict.
Additionally, Trump is dealing with four criminal indictments, including charges related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Amid these legal battles, Trump’s appeal in Carroll’s defamation case represents another chapter in his ongoing legal saga.
