Supreme Court Schedules Conference to Evaluate Trump’s Appeal in Carroll Civil Case

Washington D.C., Thursday, 29 January 2026.
The Supreme Court has officially placed President Trump’s petition regarding the E. Jean Carroll civil verdict on the docket for its February 20 closed-door conference. In this pivotal legal juncture, the Justices will determine whether to review the 2023 federal jury decision that found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, resulting in a $5 million penalty. The appeal hinges on the controversial admission of “propensity evidence” during the trial, specifically the “Access Hollywood” tape and testimony from other accusers, which the defense argues violated federal evidence rules. While the Court historically accepts fewer than 2 percent of such petitions, this case carries significant weight regarding the interpretation of evidentiary standards in high-profile civil litigation. A decision on whether to grant the writ of certiorari could be announced as early as late February, potentially setting the stage for a historic ruling on the boundaries of legal accountability for public figures.