Trump Dropped Appeal Over Carroll Judgment Payment

The former president withdrew his legal challenge regarding a $5.6 million sexual abuse and defamation payout.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Trump Dropped Appeal Over Carroll Judgment Payment

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Donald Trump has dismissed his appeal regarding a $5.6 million judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll. The move ends his efforts to recoup funds paid following a 2023 jury verdict that found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.

Why it matters

The dismissal concludes a specific legal battle over the payment of damages, which had already been released to the plaintiff's lawyers. This outcome solidifies the financial result of the original trial while the parties shift focus to other pending legal matters.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit issued an order formally dismissing the appeal on September 25, 2026. Each party has agreed to pay their own legal costs associated with the filing.

The players

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States.

E. Jean Carroll

She is an author and journalist who successfully sued the former president for sexual abuse and defamation.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit

This federal court has jurisdiction over appeals from the district courts in Connecticut, New York, and Vermont.

The details

Donald Trump signed a 70-word agreement with the legal team representing E. Jean Carroll to withdraw the request for the return of the payout with prejudice. The court previously released the total sum, which included interest, to the plaintiff in July 2026 after the Supreme Court declined to reconsider the case.

A jury found Donald Trump liable in 2023.
Judgment funds were released to E. Jean Carroll in July 2026.
The Supreme Court declined to reconsider the case on Aug. 17, 2026.
The appeals court ordered a response on mootness by Sept. 18, 2026.
The appeals court issued the final dismissal order on Sept. 25, 2026.

Legal Context

This dismissal follows a pattern of high-stakes civil litigation involving federal court rulings on defamation and sexual abuse. The $83.3 million defamation verdict appeal remains pending, indicating further legal activity is expected this fall.

The formal closure of this appeal confirms the finality of the judgment payment to the plaintiff. There are no additional safety advisories or public mandates resulting from this specific procedural conclusion.

The takeaway

This development marks the end of a specific dispute regarding the $5.6 million payout. Readers should note that legal battles of this nature often involve multiple distinct rulings that reach resolution at different intervals.