E. Jean Carroll expressed irony toward former Trump attorney Alina Habba after securing over $5.6 million following a court verdict holding Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The disbursement of $5,625,005.48 covered the $5 million original award plus interest, and was transferred to Carroll’s legal team before reaching her.
In a Substack post titled The Eagle Has Landed, Carroll confirmed the receipt of the money, acknowledging her legal team’s efforts during the extended legal process. She also aimed a satirical comment at Habba, who had defended Trump during crucial phases of the case. “And… a special, special thanks to Alina Habba Esq.! I could not have done it without you,” Carroll commented, seemingly in jest.
Habba was a key figure in Trump’s legal representation during Carroll’s civil lawsuits. The payment came after Trump’s numerous unsuccessful appeals, with the courts sustaining the jury’s 2023 decision in Carroll’s favor.
Newsweek reached out to E. Jean Carroll and Alina Habba for comment.
Who Is E. Jean Carroll?
E. Jean Carroll is a journalist, author, and former Elle advice columnist. She accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s at Bergdorf Goodman, a department store in Manhattan. Trump denied the allegation, asserting he didn’t know Carroll. Her public accusation in 2019 initiated extensive legal proceedings, resulting in crucial civil trial outcomes. Trump maintained his innocence throughout.
The legal battle represented a significant challenge for Trump before seeking re-election, culminating in two major jury verdicts favoring Carroll.
What Was the E. Jean Carroll Case Against Donald Trump?
Carroll’s case against Trump revolved around claims of sexual abuse and defamation. A federal jury in May 2023 found Trump liable for both sexually abusing and defaming her, awarding Carroll $5 million. He was not found liable for rape under New York law, only for sexual abuse.
Another defamation case concluded in January 2024 with a jury awarding Carroll $83.3 million, in response to Trump’s continued defamatory statements. This ruling expanded Trump’s financial liability significantly. Despite Trump’s appeals, the courts upheld both verdicts.
Why Did Carroll Receive the $5.6 Million Payment?
This payment pertained specifically to the first jury’s verdict awarding Carroll $5 million in damages in 2023. Due to accrued interest during the appeals, the final transfer was $5,625,005.48. This occurred after the Supreme Court refrained from intervening and lower courts sustained the judgment.
Carroll jubilantly declared receipt of the sum with “The Eagle has landed.” Her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, commented that the payment represented the successful enforcement of the jury’s decision after years of effort.
“Three years ago, a unanimous nine-person jury found President Trump liable for sexually assaulting and defaming E. Jean Carroll,” Kaplan noted. “Today, we are pleased to report that she has received the damages payment as a result of that verdict.”
Who Is Alina Habba?
Alina Habba, a New Jersey attorney, became a prominent legal representative for Trump, actively defending him in court and on media. Her role in Trump’s high-profile cases, particularly Carroll’s litigation, elevated her visibility. Prior to this, she occupied the role of interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey until 2025.
Carroll’s suggestive “special, special thanks” to Habba likely referenced Habba’s participation in the litigation resulting in favorable multi-million dollar rulings for Carroll.