President Donald Trump is urging the Supreme Court to review an $83.3 million defamation verdict against him, arguing that as president, he is immune from the litigation. The case stems from Trump’s statements about E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of defamation.
Background of the Case
In 2019, Trump denied Carroll’s allegations of assault, stating that she was not his type and that she made up the story to boost book sales. A jury found Trump’s statements to be defamatory and ordered him to pay $83 million in damages.
Trump’s attorneys argue that the president is immune from civil lawsuits for actions taken while in office, citing a 2024 Supreme Court decision that granted the president wide immunity. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the damages award, finding it reasonable in light of the extraordinary and egregious facts of the case.
Supreme Court Appeal
Trump is asking the Supreme Court to review the Second Circuit’s decision, arguing that the court should have considered whether presidential immunity applies. The Justice Department has also signaled its intention to intervene in the case, potentially taking over the lawsuit under the Westfall Act, which shields individual federal employees from tort suits for actions taken while engaged in their official duties.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
