In a significant legal development, a federal appeals court has upheld the $83.3 million judgment against former President Donald Trump for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The ruling rejected Trump’s argument that his status as president should shield him from liability in the defamation case.
The case stems from Carroll’s accusation that Trump sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. In response to Carroll’s allegation, Trump denied the incident and dismissed it as a fabrication to sell books. Carroll subsequently sued Trump for defamation, leading to the $83.3 million judgment against him.
The recent decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the initial trial verdict, which found Trump liable for defaming Carroll. The court rejected Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, stating that the Supreme Court’s decision extending presidential immunity does not apply in this context.
The ruling is a significant blow to Trump, who had sought to overturn the judgment against him. The appeals court’s decision underscores the accountability of public figures for their statements and actions, even after leaving office.
The case has broader implications for the legal standing of defamation claims against public figures and the limits of presidential immunity. It highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their conduct, regardless of their position or status.
The decision has sparked varied reactions, with supporters of Carroll applauding the ruling as a victory for justice and accountability. Critics of the judgment argue that it sets a concerning precedent for future defamation cases involving public figures.
Overall, the appeals court’s decision to uphold the $83.3 million judgment against Trump in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case marks a significant legal milestone with far-reaching implications for the intersection of politics, law, and accountability.
References:
1. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/nyregion/trump-e-jean-carroll-defamation.html
2. https://abcnews.go.com/US/appeals-court-upholds-83-million-judgment-trump-defaming/story?id=125364143
3. https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5491656-833m-defamation-award-upheld/
4. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-e-jean-carroll-appeals-court/
5. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/sep/8/trump-loses-bid-toss-83m-defamation-judgment-favor-e-jean-carroll/
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