US President Donald Trump has suffered a major setback after a New York federal court ruled that he sexually assaulted former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll. The court’s verdict marks a historic first in American political history — the first time a sitting or former US president has been found liable in a sexual assault case. Treating the civil case with utmost seriousness, the court ordered Trump to pay the victim $5 million in damages, approximately Rs 41 crore in Indian currency.
Beyond the assault allegation itself, the court also factored in Trump’s past controversial remarks that damaged Carroll’s reputation while determining the substantial penalty. The dispute dates back decades: Carroll had approached the court alleging that Trump sexually assaulted her in a dressing room at a luxury department store in New York in 1996. Trump has consistently denied the allegations from the start, with his lawyers arguing he didn’t know who she was and that the claims were solely aimed at damaging his political reputation and seeking publicity. However, the jury sided with Carroll during the trial.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court concluded that the evidence presented by the victim was legally credible, and found that Trump’s remarks had caused her severe public humiliation. The court ordered the penalty amount to be deposited immediately. The verdict has triggered major shockwaves across the United States, and Trump’s legal team has indicated he may appeal the ruling in a higher court.