Trump tries again to delay $5m sexual abuse payout to E Jean Carroll

Key Points:

• Donald Trump's lawyers have requested an extension to pay a $5 million civil judgment to E Jean Carroll, citing the need for new lead counsel to familiarize themselves with the case following the departure of his former attorney, Justin Smith.
• The judgment stems from a jury finding that Trump sexually abused Carroll in 1996 and defamed her after she publicly accused him in 2019; Trump has deposited funds in escrow but is seeking to delay payment, which has grown to nearly $5.8 million with interest.
• Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, criticized the extension request as a stalling tactic, noting Trump had ample time to secure new counsel since Smith's judicial nomination five months ago.
• Trump continues to deny Carroll's allegations, labeling the case politically motivated, and plans to keep fighting after the Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal; Carroll's lawyers anticipate further legal challenges, including potential appeals and rehearing motions.
• There is speculation that Trump may combine appeals of two defamation judgments against him, with the larger $83 million award raising issues of presidential immunity related to statements made during his presidency.