Fact Check: Trump $93 Million Sexual Abuse Judgments
What We Know
The claim that Donald Trump faces "$93 million sexual abuse judgments" stems from two separate legal cases involving E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault. In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and awarded her $5 million in damages for that case, referred to as Carroll II (AP News). This judgment was based on an incident that allegedly occurred in 1996. Additionally, in January 2024, another jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages in a related defamation case, known as Carroll I, where Trump was found liable for defaming Carroll after she made her allegations public (Wikipedia, NPR).
When combined, the total judgments amount to $88.3 million. However, the figure of $93 million appears to be an overestimate, as it does not accurately reflect the total damages awarded in the two cases.
Analysis
The claim of "$93 million" seems to arise from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the actual judgments against Trump. The $5 million awarded in the Carroll II case and the $83.3 million in the Carroll I case add up to $88.3 million, not $93 million. This discrepancy suggests that the claim may have been exaggerated or misreported.
The sources used to substantiate the claims are credible. The Associated Press is a reputable news organization known for its fact-based reporting, while Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of the legal proceedings and outcomes (AP News, Wikipedia). NPR also reported on the significant damages awarded in the defamation case, further corroborating the amounts (NPR).
However, it is essential to note that while the judgments are substantial, the claim's specific figure of $93 million lacks accuracy. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and Trump has indicated intentions to appeal the verdicts, which may affect the final amounts (CBS News).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump faces "$93 million sexual abuse judgments" is Partially True. While there are substantial judgments against Trump totaling $88.3 million from two separate cases, the figure of $93 million is inaccurate. This discrepancy highlights the importance of precise reporting in legal matters, especially when discussing significant financial judgments.
