Trump Asks Judge Not to Order Release of $5.8m Payment to E Jean Carroll

The latest development in the E Jean Carroll case reveals the dubious tactics employed by Donald Trump’s legal team to delay the release of a $5.8 million payment owed to the plaintiff. This is not an isolated incident, but rather another chapter in a long-standing pattern of behavior that has become synonymous with Trump’s approach to litigation.

E Jean Carroll successfully sued Trump for sexual abuse and defamation in 2023, with a jury awarding her $5 million plus 11% interest. Trump deposited these funds into a court-controlled account, but is now resisting efforts by Carroll’s lawyers to release the money, citing an agreement between the parties that supposedly bars collection while his rehearing petition remains unresolved.

However, as Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s lead attorney, pointed out in her filings, this argument amounts to a misreading of the agreement. The stipulation and order clearly state that funds would be released upon definitive legal developments, such as the US Supreme Court refusing to hear Trump’s appeal – which it did on June 29.

Trump’s team is attempting to extract concessions from Carroll by holding onto her payment. They argue that if the money is released now, it might not be recoverable later on – a prospect that would undoubtedly frustrate Trump’s plans for future financial gains. This gambit is nothing new; we’ve seen similar tactics employed by Trump in numerous cases over the years.

His team has a proven track record of using litigation to extract concessions from opponents and delay payments. For instance, recall the recent settlement with Stormy Daniels, where Trump’s lawyers successfully delayed payment until after the 2020 presidential election. This behavior is not only questionable; it also raises important questions about accountability.

If Trump is genuinely committed to resolving this case, why does his team continue to employ such tactics? The fact that they are now petitioning the US Supreme Court for a rehearing on their denial speaks volumes about their intentions. As we await Judge Kaplan’s decision, one thing is clear: Trump’s endless litigation gambit has exposed him once again.

His actions demonstrate a flagrant disregard for due process and an attempt to manipulate the legal system to his advantage. If Carroll’s request for the release of funds is denied, it will only serve to underscore this point. The consequences of such behavior are far-reaching; they erode public trust in the judiciary and undermine the very fabric of our justice system.

As we move forward, it’s essential that we hold Trump accountable for his actions and recognize the damage they inflict on the rule of law. What’s at stake here is not just the $5.8 million owed to Carroll; it’s the principle of accountability and the integrity of our courts. Let us hope that Judge Kaplan will see through this charade and order the release of funds – a decision that would send a powerful message about the importance of upholding due process and respecting the law.