As Donald Trump prepares to reenter the White House following his victory in the 2024 presidential election, a viral claim has sparked confusion online. Social media posts allege that the White House will be listed on the sex offender registry due to Trump’s 2023 civil court verdict in journalist E. Jean Carroll’s sexual abuse case. However, this claim has been thoroughly debunked.
The Origin of the Rumor
The rumor originated from a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) uploaded on November 10, which amassed over five million views and 26,000 shares. It suggested that Trump’s civil liability in Carroll’s case would lead to the White House being added to the sex offender registry. Fact-checking website Snopes has dismissed this as false, clarifying that only criminal convictions—not civil liabilities—require an individu al to register as a sex offender.
E. Jean Carroll’s Lawsuit Against Trump
In 2019, journalist and author E. Jean Carroll filed a defamation lawsuit against Trump, alleging that he had sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. Trump denied the claims, accusing Carroll of lying for personal gain, prompting her to sue him for defamation.
The case saw multiple legal battles, with Carroll’s team presenting additional evidence, including the infamous Access Hollywood tape and testimonies from 26 women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct. In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll, awarding her $5 million in damages: $2 million for the abuse, $1 million for defamation, and additional punitive damages. However, the jury rejected Carroll’s claim of rape.
No Criminal Conviction, No Registry
Importantly, the verdict in Carroll’s case was from a civil trial, not a criminal court. As such, Trump was not convicted of any criminal offense, and there is no legal basis for him—or by extension, the White House—to be listed on the sex offender registry.
Other Allegations Against Trump
While the Carroll case concluded in 2023, allegations of sexual misconduct against Trump persist. In October 2024, former model Stacey Williams alleged that Trump groped her in 1993 during a meeting with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump’s campaign denied these claims, dismissing them as politically motivated.
Despite the controversy surrounding Trump’s history, the claim that the White House will appear on the sex offender registry is baseless. This misinformation highlights the divisive narratives surrounding Trump’s return to the presidency, with both his supporters and detractors scrutinizing his every move. As of now, Trump is set to take office in January 2025, with no legal implications tying his civil liabilities to the White House.