'Cough up the cash': Internet mocks Trump's plan to appeal ‘ridiculous’ E Jean Carroll defamation ruling
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump declared he plans to appeal the Manhattan jury's "absolutely ridiculous" verdict to pay $83.3 million to writer E Jean Carrol for defaming her in 2019, reported The Hill.
A federal jury on Friday, January 26, ruled the Republican frontrunner should pay the plaintiff $7.3 million in compensatory damages, $11 million for a reputation repairment program, and $65 million in punitive damages over defamatory comments made while denying Carroll's claims of him sexually abusing her in the 1990s.
District Judge Lewis Kaplan, overseeing the trial, whom Trump called "unfair" and "biased," had already found the defendant guilty.
Outraged with the legal setback, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, "Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party."
The Carroll verdict adds to Trump's extensive legal challenges despite his lead in the Republican presidential primary.
Donald Trump claims the legal system is used as a political weapon
Trump, denying Carroll's claims right from the verdict and calling the trial rigged, added in his post, "Our Legal System is out of control and being used as a Political Weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA!"
Continuously claiming the case as "totally fabricated," the former President effectively used the trial as an election weapon, making insulting remarks against the writer during his campaign speeches and on social media.
Unleashing his fury online, Trump, in another Truth Social post, said, "There is no longer Justice in America. Our Judicial System is Broken and Unfair!"
With his landmark victories in Iowa and the defeat of Nikki Haley in the New Hampshire primary, the GOP frontrunner will likely be nominated as the party's presidential candidate. The impact of the Manhattan jury verdict on his voter support remains to be seen.
Internet ridicules Donald Trump's plan to appeal
Netizens had a gala time ridiculing the former President over his decision to appeal the verdict in a higher court.
While some asked him to pay the damage, some suggested MAGA could help him fund it.
One user remarked, "Cough up the cash bro."
Another trolled Trump, saying, "I hope Maga can cough up $83.3 million in donations." A user added, "It’ll take another 83.3M to appeal. Whoa!"
"He may have to put the award in an escrow account while he appeals," read another response.
He may have to put the award in an escrow account while he appeals
— Gene Frenkle (@3Fiddy5) January 26, 2024
A user mockingly stated, "I agree an appeal is needed. $83m is not nearly enough punishment."
I agree an appeal is needed. $83m is not nearly enough punishment.
— Karling (@NorthSoulful) January 26, 2024
"Wonder what he is going to start selling now," read one reaction. A user wrote, "First he has to post an $86 million bond. And when he loses, the bond will be forfeited and given to Ms. Carroll."
First he has to post an $86 million bond. And when he loses, the bond will be forfeited and given to Ms. Carroll. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
— DMV Attorney (@RigsbyJones) January 26, 2024
Another user added, "Good. We get to see it all again."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.