As the U.S. Supreme Court gears up for its next round of summer orders, President Donald Trump’s petition seeking a reconsideration of a $5 million verdict in a civil suit brought by E. Jean Carroll might take center stage. The former president’s request was officially forwarded to the justices just three days after the court’s initial summer orders. This sets the stage for a potential decision on Trump’s plea in the next wave of orders anticipated on August 17. To view the complete summer orders, click here.
The case in question stems from allegations made by Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store dressing room in 1996. She further accused him of defaming her in 2022 after she brought the allegations to the public sphere. Following a jury trial, Carroll was awarded $5 million, a verdict that was later upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.
Trump’s appeal to the Supreme Court last fall highlighted his contention that testimony from other women alleging assault and the infamous 2005 “Access Hollywood” tape should not have been admitted as evidence. However, Carroll’s legal team contended in a brief that the exclusion of this evidence would not have altered the ultimate outcome, given the strength of her case.
Initially distributed for discussion during the justices’ February 20, 2026 conference, Trump’s petition faced multiple reschedules before finally being considered and denied on June 29. Trump subsequently submitted a petition for rehearing on July 8. Notably, the court has not granted a petition to reconsider their denial since 2018, as detailed here.
Legal professionals and observers now await the justices’ decision, which could influence future directions in evidentiary standards in civil litigation.
For more detailed insights, visit the initial report by Amy Howe on SCOTUSblog.