A New York federal judge has ordered Donald Trump to pay $5 million in damages plus interest to writer E. Jean Carroll, stemming from a jury verdict finding him civilly liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The ruling followed the Supreme Court's June 29 rejection of Trump's request to hear his appeal of the May 2023 verdict.

Judge Lewis Kaplan pointed to an agreement between Carroll and Trump, stipulating that the deposited funds would be disbursed to Carroll if the Supreme Court denied his appeal. Trump's attorneys had argued against the immediate release, citing a pending request for reconsideration and the potential for the verdict to be reversed, which would require repayment to Trump. They also noted Carroll's stated intention to donate the funds, raising concerns about recovery if distributed to third parties.

Trump's legal team has filed an appeal of Judge Kaplan's disbursement order with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This development occurs as Trump prepares to ask the Supreme Court for immunity regarding a separate defamation case where he was ordered to pay Carroll $83.3 million in January 2024. The outcome of these legal battles could impact Trump's financial disclosures and future business dealings.