E. Jean Carroll Concerned Trump Can’t Pay $83 Million Penalty

Author and advice columnist E. Jean Carroll has raised significant suspicions about her ability to collect the $83 million judgment awarded to her in a defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump.

Last month the federal jury in New York awarded Carroll the $83.3 million after Trump was found guilty of defamation for denying her sexual assault allegations when she came forward publicly in 2019. Trump has consistently denied Carroll’s claims with the assertion that she fabricated the story to promote her book.

Trump recently proposed posting a $100 million bond in the fraud case in the appeals process, with the claim that the exorbitant judgment made it impossible to secure a bond for the full amount.

However, a New York judge ruled that enforcement of the multimillion-dollar judgment would only be paused if Trump could post a complete bond. If Trump fails to post the full judgment, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) said she will begin the collection process, which could involve selling valuable assets or properties owned by Trump.

She specifically mentioned Trump’s 40 Wall Street skyscraper as a potential asset subject to seizure. James explained that her office is “prepared to make sure that the judgment is paid to New Yorkers,” and added, “And yes, I look at 40 Wall Street each and every day.”

Carroll’s lawyers highlighted the 91 charges across four criminal cases that could have severe implications for Trump’s career as a businessman. His first criminal trial, which concerned a hush money deal in the 2016 election, is scheduled to commence this month in New York. He faces additional federal prosecutions in Washington, D.C., related to his election interference, in Florida for the mishandling of classified documents as well as Georgia for his interference in the state’s election.

Carroll’s lawyers pointed out that by the time the post-trial motions or appeals are resolved, Trump’s circumstances could be significantly different. He could potentially be president of the United States, a convicted criminal serving time in prison, or, considering his advanced age, Carroll may have to address his estate. Any of these developments could pose substantial complications for the collection efforts.