A federal appeals court has frozen Donald Trump's $83.3 million defamation payment to writer E Jean Carroll, ruling Tuesday that the former president does not have to pay until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear his appeal.
The stay suspends enforcement of the January 2024 jury award, which found Trump liable for defaming Carroll after she publicly accused him of sexual assault.
Trump's legal team has petitioned the Supreme Court to review the case, contending the New York trial was conducted improperly. Carroll's lawyers have argued the verdict is legally sound and should not be delayed further.
The appeals court's order means the $83.3 million remains unpaid for an indefinite period while the nation's highest court weighs whether to intervene.
The Supreme Court has not indicated when it will decide whether to accept or reject Trump's petition. If the court declines to hear the case, the stay would lift and Carroll could move to collect the full sum. A decision from the court is expected in the coming months.