Trump mocked as he has only three days to pay $83M to E Jean Carroll after judge denies his delay request
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A federal judge has denied Donald Trump's request for a temporary delay in enforcing the $83.3 million penalty in the E Jean Carroll defamation case, leaving him with just three days to either pay the sum or post a bond, reported Daily Mail.
District Judge Lewis Kaplan, on Thursday, March 7, rejected Trump's plea to postpone the deadline while he faces another whopping penalty in the New York civil fraud case where he owes nearly $464 million in fine and interest.
Longtime advice columnist Carroll was awarded $83.3 million in late January for defamation charges over the ex-president denying her sexual assault allegations in 2019.
Judge Lewis Kaplan blames Donald Trump
In a written order, Judge Kaplan said, "Mr Trump's current situation is a result of his own dilatory actions."
"He has had since January 26 to organize his finances with the knowledge that he might need to bond this judgment, yet he waited until 25 days after the jury verdict ... to file his prior motion for an unsecured or partially secured stay pending resolution of post-trial motions," he added.
The legal setback came a day after Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee following opponent Nikki Haley's exit from the 2024 presidential race.
After the verdict was made official on February 8, Trump had 30 days to post a bond or pay the penalty. However, his attorneys on February 23 asked for a 30-day delay to await his post-trial motions.
The judge blamed the White House hopeful for waiting for 25 days after the verdict to request a delay and added he failed to show the potential "irreparable injury" he might suffer if he should post a bond.
To avoid posting a big bond, Trump's legal team further denied Carroll's claims about the billionaire ex-president's financial strains. They guaranteed that she was "fully protected," asserting that a $24.5 million bond would adequately "secure any minimal risk" to her.
However, the plaintiff earlier expressed serious concerns about his ability to pay, citing that he was the "least trustworthy of borrowers".
Furthermore, in a Fox News interview on March 5, Trump seemed confident of his ability to pay the bond in the two civil cases when he claimed, "I have a lot of money. I can do what I want to do. ... I don't worry about the money."
According to ABC News, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung, hearing the latest ruling by the court, said they would continue the litigation.
"President Trump filed a timely motion to stay the ridiculous judgment, and many courts, including the Second Circuit, recognize the importance of temporary administrative stays while such motions are considered. We look forward to continuing to litigate the case and to complete vindication of the truth."
Internet mocks Donald Trump
Social media users had a gala time mocking the former president's current financial status as he is left with only three days to pay the $83.3 million fine to Carroll.
One user wrote, "The BROKE billionaire."
"Heh heh heh. Sell some shoes Donny," another person wrote, taking a swipe at Trump's recently launched golden sneaker line.
A third user mockingly said, "Donnie non-cents is broke!."
Another response read, "What will the self proclaimed billionaire, treasonous trump do now, he’s already begging for money on twitter."
What will the self proclaimed billionaire, treasonous trump do now, he’s already begging for money on twitter. 😂 https://t.co/OhGlA5gtuz
— Gloria Ashcroft (@AshcroftGloria) March 8, 2024
"Poor Donald! He needs a helping hand!!" a fifth individual said.
Poor Donald! He needs a helping hand!! 😁😂 https://t.co/kZrTRayEn7
— 🇺🇲 Marsha Casper Sparks 🌊 💙 (@MarshaCasp80218) March 8, 2024
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