If you’ve been following the headlines, you know the numbers by heart at this point. $5 million. $83.3 million. They are massive, life-altering sums of money that have been splashed across every news ticker from CNN to Fox. But there is a huge difference between a jury saying someone owes you money and that money actually hitting your bank account.
So, has E Jean Carroll received any money from trump yet?
The short answer is no. Not really. At least, not in the way you’d expect a "payment" to look. As of early 2026, E. Jean Carroll hasn’t gone on a shopping spree or funded the various causes she’s mentioned with Trump’s cash. The money is essentially in legal purgatory. It’s sitting in a high-security "waiting room" managed by the court system while the legal gears continue to grind.
The $91 Million Waiting Game
To understand why Carroll’s bank balance hasn't changed despite winning two massive trials, you have to look at how the federal court system handles appeals. Donald Trump didn't just write a check and mail it to her apartment. Instead, to prevent her from collecting the money while he appeals, he had to post a bond.
Basically, Trump had to put up the cash (plus interest) to show the court he actually has it. In March 2024, he posted a $91.6 million bond to cover the $83.3 million judgment from the second defamation trial.
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This bond is a guarantee. If Trump loses his final appeal, the insurance company that issued the bond (Federal Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Chubb) will have to pay Carroll directly. If he wins, he gets to keep his money.
Where is the money right now?
Right now, the funds are technically tied up in the court’s registry or held by the bond company. It’s a bit like escrow. Carroll can see it, the court knows it's there, but nobody can touch it until the "all clear" is given by the higher courts.
Why the Delay is Taking Years
You might be wondering why this is dragging on into 2026. The wheels of justice don't just move slowly; they sometimes feel like they’re stuck in wet cement.
Trump’s legal team has been aggressive. They aren't just arguing the facts of the case anymore; they’ve moved into the world of constitutional "big picture" arguments. Throughout 2025, his lawyers pushed the idea of presidential immunity. They argued that because some of the comments he made happened while he was in the White House, he should be shielded from being sued at all.
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However, the courts haven't been buying it. In September 2025, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the $83.3 million judgment. They called the jury’s award "fair and reasonable." They pointed out that Trump’s attacks were "extraordinary and egregious."
Even with that win for Carroll, the money stayed put. Why? Because the next step is the U.S. Supreme Court. Until every single door is closed, the court won't release those funds to Carroll.
Breaking Down the Two Judgments
It’s easy to get confused because there were actually two different trials. Honestly, even the legal pundits get the details swapped sometimes.
- Trial One (The "Carroll II" Case): This happened in May 2023. The jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. They awarded her $5 million.
- Trial Two (The "Carroll I" Case): This was the big one in January 2024. This was specifically about the things Trump said while he was President in 2019. The jury awarded a staggering $83.3 million, mostly in punitive damages meant to make him stop talking.
Trump tried to get the $5 million verdict tossed, but in December 2024, an appeals court rejected that bid. Then he tried again in June 2025, and lost again. Even so, the legal process allows for multiple layers of "Wait, I want a second opinion," which is exactly what we are seeing play out.
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What Does Carroll Plan to Do With It?
E. Jean Carroll has been very vocal about the fact that she doesn't want this to be "lifestyle" money. She told the New York Times and Good Morning America that she wants to use the money for something Trump "hates."
She’s mentioned potentially starting a fund for women who have been defamed or attacked by powerful men. She’s also talked about supporting various charitable causes. But until the Supreme Court either refuses to hear the case or rules against Trump, those plans are on ice.
The Interest Factor (The "Silver Lining")
There is one bit of news that favors Carroll: Post-judgment interest.
When a court orders a payment, that amount starts accruing interest at a federal rate. Every day that the money sits in the court registry or under a bond, the total amount Trump might eventually have to pay grows. We are talking about thousands of dollars in interest adding up every single month. By the time this actually settles, the $83.3 million could easily be closer to $100 million.
What Happens Next?
If you are looking for a specific date when Carroll gets paid, you're going to be disappointed. We are in the "Final Boss" stage of the legal battle.
- Supreme Court Petition: Trump’s team is expected to (or already has) petitioned the Supreme Court to review the appeals court's decision.
- The Decision to Hear: The Supreme Court doesn't have to take the case. If they say "No," the case is officially over.
- The Mandate: Once the final court refuses to hear it, the appellate court issues a "mandate." This is basically the legal green light that tells the district court, "Okay, give her the money."
What you can do to stay informed:
Keep an eye on the Supreme Court’s orders list. Usually, these come out on Monday mornings. If you see "Trump v. Carroll" listed under "Certiorari Denied," that’s the moment the money starts moving. Until then, the millions remain a line item on a balance sheet rather than cash in hand.