A federal appeals court has solidified a jury's decision holding Donald Trump accountable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. This ruling deals a significant setback to the former president, requiring him to pay the $5 million determined by the jury.

The three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit stated that Trump hadn't successfully demonstrated any errors in the district court's rulings that impacted his rights and justified a new trial.

This verdict follows a New York jury's finding last year that held Trump responsible for sexually abusing Carroll, a former advice columnist for Elle magazine, in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room. He was also found liable for defaming her after she publicly shared her account during his presidency.

A separate case saw Trump ordered to pay Carroll over $80 million for defamatory remarks made during his time in office. This decision is currently under appeal.

Carroll's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, expressed satisfaction with the appeals court's decision, highlighting their thorough review of the arguments.

Trump's transition team swiftly reacted, pledging to appeal the ruling and criticizing what they called the "political weaponization" of the legal system.

Steven Cheung, Trump's transition spokesperson and incoming White House communications director, emphasized the public's desire for an end to the politicization of the justice system and the dismissal of all investigations targeting Trump, including the Carroll case, which he labeled a "Democrat-funded Hoax."

Cheung also expressed anticipation for unifying the nation under Trump's leadership as he strives to "make America great again."