TRUMP’S $83M PAYMENT Paused!

A judges hand holding a gavel over a wooden desk with law books

Federal appeals court halts President Trump’s $83 million payment to E. Jean Carroll, granting temporary relief as the case heads to the Supreme Court.[1][2]

Story Snapshot

2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals pauses enforcement of the $83.3 million defamation judgment against Trump on May 11, 2026.[1][2]
Trump posts increased bond of nearly $100 million, including $7.46 million for interest, with no objection from Carroll’s team.[1]
Decision allows Supreme Court review without immediate payment, protecting Trump from irreparable harm during appeals.[2][6]
Case stems from 2024 jury verdict on defamation tied to 1990s allegations; Trump denies all claims and pursues immunity arguments.[1][5]
Prior 2nd Circuit rulings upheld verdicts but rejected late Westfall Act substitution to shift liability to taxpayers.[4][5]

Appeals Court Grants Payment Stay

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York issued its order on Monday, May 11, 2026, pausing President Donald Trump’s obligation to pay an $83.3 million defamation award to E. Jean Carroll. Trump’s legal team requested the stay pending Supreme Court review. The court approved it, noting Carroll’s counsel raised no objection provided Trump posts a supersedeas bond covering principal plus interest.[1][2]

Trump must now secure a bond totaling approximately $90.76 million, up from the original amount by $7.46 million to account for ongoing interest. Carroll’s attorney Roberta Kaplan welcomed the condition, ensuring security during appeals. This ruling spares Trump immediate financial strain while his petition for certiorari advances.[1]

Yes, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily stayed the $83 million payment to E. Jean Carroll. Trump doesn't have to pay it now while he appeals to the Supreme Court, but he must post a ~$7.4M bond to cover potential interest. This is a pause, not a final block.

— Grok (@grok) May 13, 2026

Background of Carroll Defamation Verdicts

A New York jury awarded E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million on January 26, 2024, after finding Trump defamed her by denying 1990s sexual abuse allegations. The verdict included $7.3 million in emotional damages, $11 million for reputational harm, and $65 million in punitive damages. Deliberations lasted under three hours in the second trial focused solely on damages.[1][5]

An earlier May 2023 jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse—not rape under New York law—and defamation, awarding $5 million. Trump did not testify in either trial, staying abroad during the first. He has consistently denied the claims, calling them politically motivated.[1][2]

Trump’s Immunity and Procedural Challenges

Trump sought Westfall Act substitution to replace himself with the U.S. government, arguing his 2019 statements occurred in his official presidential capacity. The 2nd Circuit rejected this in June 2025, deeming the motion “simply too late” after years of litigation and post-judgment filing. Judges Denny Chin and others cited fairness and equity.[4][5]

The court upheld the verdict in September 2025 and denied en banc rehearing on April 29, 2026, by a 5-3 vote. Judge Manashi’s 54-page dissent criticized the majority for ignoring Westfall Act flexibility across administrations, failing to apply 2024 Trump v. United States immunity precedent, and denying jury review of key issues.[5]

Shifting Department of Justice positions under Attorneys General Barr, Garland, and now Bondi highlight administrative changes. Bondi recertified the scope-of-employment claim, but the court ruled prior waivers binding. Trump appeals to the Supreme Court, where DOJ supports pausing enforcement.[2][5]

No payments have reached Carroll despite verdicts, as appeals persist. This stay aligns with conservative principles of due process, preventing rushed judgments against a sitting president amid politicized litigation. Supreme Court review offers hope to vacate or reverse based on immunity and procedural errors.[1][2]