A federal appeals court on Monday confirmed a $83.3 million verdict against former President Donald Trump for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trump’s claims that he was entitled to presidential immunity when making statements about Carroll, stating his remarks demonstrated “reckless disregard for the truth.” The court also dismissed arguments that the jury’s damages were excessive, calling the $18.3 million compensatory award fair and the $65 million punitive damage figure reasonable.

The three-judge panel highlighted that Carroll faced widespread online harassment following Trump’s public accusations, including thousands of attacks and death threats. Trump had previously contested the ruling, asserting that a Supreme Court decision in July 2024—granting former presidents presumptive immunity for “official acts”—undermined the appeals court’s earlier dismissal of his immunity claims. However, the judges rejected this argument, maintaining their prior conclusion.

Carroll’s legal team secured separate awards in two cases against Trump, with $5 million granted in one and $83.3 million in the other. Trump’s attorneys have indicated plans to seek further review from the Supreme Court.