Writer E. Jean Carroll has spoken out after officially receiving more than $5.6 million in damages from President Donald Trump, bringing one chapter of their years-long legal battle to a close. The payment followed a 2023 civil verdict in which a Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and later defaming her after she publicly accused him. Trump has consistently denied the allegations, but after multiple appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, allowing the judgment to stand.
A federal judge then ordered the immediate release of the money, which had been held in an escrow account during the appeals process. With interest, the total payment reached approximately $5.62 million. After receiving the funds, Carroll celebrated on her Substack page with the simple message, “The Eagle Has Landed,” before thanking the legal team that represented her throughout the case.
She also delivered a sarcastic message aimed at Trump’s former attorney, Alina Habba, writing: “And… a special, special thanks to Alina Habba Esq.! I could not have done it without you.” The remark quickly spread across social media, with many users reacting to the unexpected jab.
Although this payment ends one legal dispute, another major case is still ongoing. A separate $83 million defamation judgment involving Carroll remains under appeal. Trump continues to deny wrongdoing and has criticized the rulings, while Carroll has said she plans to place the funds into an interest-bearing retirement account.