By John Q. Hosedrinker E. Jean Carroll jury decides Trump must pay $83.3 million. When I read the news, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of satisfaction and vindication. Finally, justice has been served to a man who has continuously defamed and denied the rape accusations made against him by E. Jean Carroll. The jury ruled unanimously, sending a resounding message that actions have consequences, no matter how powerful or influential one may be.
The breakdown of the damages awarded was equally significant. $7.3 million for emotional damage, $11 million in compensatory damages, and a staggering $65 million in punitive damages. These numbers reflect not only the severity of the harm caused but also the message that the court wishes to send–that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course, it comes as no surprise that Trump took to social media to express his disagreement with the verdict and announce his intention to appeal. In his classic fashion, he blamed Democrats, claiming that the legal system was being used as a “political weapon” and that his First Amendment rights were being violated. But let’s not forget that this is the same man who has repeatedly belittled and dismissed the experiences of survivors, turning a blind eye to their pain.
What struck me most about Trump’s reaction was his claim of America no longer being the same. In all caps, he wrote, “This is not America!” Well, Mr. Trump, this is exactly what America looks like when justice is served. It is a place where survivors are heard, where their pain is acknowledged, and where accountability is demanded. It is a reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful they may be.
Now, there is another aspect of this verdict that I find particularly interesting. Trump’s supporters often claim to care about law and order, chanting for locking people up and advocating for justice. But when confronted with the reality that their chosen leader has been accused of rape and is now being held accountable, the same passion seems to fade away. Suddenly, they dismiss Carroll as a nobody and accuse the court of bias. It’s disheartening to witness such cognitive dissonance.
Looking ahead, I can’t help but wonder if Trump will actually pay the $83.3 million he has been ordered to. He has claimed to have vast wealth, but can we really trust his words? Perhaps he will resort to selling assets, but even then, I doubt that he has enough liquid assets to cover the full amount. It would be poetic justice to see him facing financial strain as a consequence of his actions.
Regardless of what happens next, this verdict is a significant moment in our legal system. It reaffirms that survivors deserve to be heard, that defamatory actions have consequences, and that the power of the law can prevail even against those in positions of influence. Let this serve as a reminder that we must continue to fight for justice, support survivors, and hold those in power accountable. Only then can we truly say that we live in a just and equitable society.