A federal appeals court this week temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s $83 million payment to writer E. Jean Carroll, granting Trump’s request to delay the judgment until the Supreme Court decides whether to review the case. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals approved the stay—but only after Trump agreed to increase his bond by an additional $7.46 million to cover interest that will accrue during the extended legal battle.

The Carroll Defamation Cases

E. Jean Carroll first alleged in 2019 that Trump sexually assaulted her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room during the 1990s, though she could not specify the date or year. In May 2023, a Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million. An appeals court upheld that judgment in 2024. A separate defamation case resulted in an $83.3 million award against Trump in January 2024 after courts rejected his presidential immunity claims regarding statements he made about Carroll in 2019.

Court Orders Higher Bond Amount

The Second Circuit granted Trump’s stay request Monday after he asked the court to pause enforcement while pursuing Supreme Court review. Carroll’s legal team, led by attorney Roberta Kaplan, did not object to the stay—provided Trump posted the additional $7.46 million bond. The new requirement brings Trump’s total bond to nearly $100 million when combined with previous increases. Kaplan stated her team was pleased the court conditioned the stay on the higher bond amount, protecting Carroll’s eventual judgment if Trump’s appeals fail.

Presidential Immunity Rejected

Trump’s legal team argued he should not have to pay the judgment while appeals continued, claiming presidential immunity over his 2019 statements about Carroll. The appeals court rejected those immunity arguments. Trump has consistently denied Carroll’s allegations, calling her a person who is not his type and dismissing her claims as fabricated. The jury found Trump did not rape Carroll as initially alleged, but did determine he sexually abused her by digital penetration and defamed her through his public statements.

Supreme Court Appeal Pending

The stay remains in effect until the Supreme Court either agrees to hear Trump’s appeal or declines to review the case. If the Supreme Court refuses the case, Trump will be required to pay the full judgment amount plus accumulated interest. Carroll’s attorneys expressed confidence in their position, noting the increased bond protects their client’s financial interests during what they expect will be lengthy Supreme Court proceedings. Trump has maintained his innocence throughout both cases, arguing the allegations are politically motivated attacks designed to damage his reputation and business interests.