Donald Trump has declared his intention to appeal the recent court verdict in which a jury found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. Joseph Tacopina, Trump's attorney, announced the decision to challenge the outcome following the verdict, according to The New York Times.
Tacopina claimed that the trial was "highly prejudicial" and accused Judge Lewis A. Kaplan of showing bias towards Carroll. "There were things that happened in this case that were beyond the pale," Tacopina stated. "In New York, you can't get a fair trial."
Prior to the verdict, Trump posted on Truth Social that he would "appeal the unconstitutional silencing of me, as a candidate, no matter the outcome," as reported by The Hill. Trump further lamented his inability to defend himself, noting that the other side had a book accusing him of rape and was working with the press.
The unanimous verdict, reached after less than three hours of jury deliberation, marks the first time Trump has been held legally responsible for sexual misconduct. The jury ordered Trump to pay the former Elle advice columnist approximately $5 million in damages ($2 million for sexual abuse and nearly $3 million for defamation).
Carroll's case against the former president proceeded through a Manhattan federal court under New York's Adult Survivors Act, which allows a one-year look-back window for sexual abuse survivors to file claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.
Trump has consistently denied Carroll's allegations. In response to the ruling, Carroll expressed her overwhelming relief and happiness on Today. "I'm overwhelmed with joy and happiness and delight for the women in this country," she told host Savannah Guthrie.
Carroll highlighted the severity of the charge, saying, "Sexual abuse under New York law is very serious, and the jury found that that's what he did." She emphasized that her primary concern was reclaiming her name, rather than the $5 million in damages awarded in the civil case.