A U.S. federal judge has ordered that writer E. Jean Carroll receive approximately $5.8 million from funds held in escrow after President Donald Trump lost his appeal against the 2023 civil verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. The amount includes the original $5 million damages award plus accrued interest.

The order follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Trump’s appeal, effectively allowing the judgment to stand. Judge Lewis A. Kaplan ruled that there was no legal basis to continue withholding the money, authorising the release of the funds to Carroll.

Trump’s legal team has appealed the order releasing the funds and argued that the payment should be delayed while it pursues further legal options. However, the request to prevent the immediate release of the money was denied.

The underlying case stems from a 2023 civil trial in which a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll over statements denying her allegations. Trump has consistently denied the allegations and continues to challenge the verdict. He is also separately appealing an $83.3 million defamation judgment awarded to Carroll in a related case.

The latest ruling marks another significant legal setback for Trump, bringing Carroll closer to collecting the damages awarded after years of litigation.