Scoop: Trump asks Supreme Court to overturn $83M judgment for E. Jean Carroll
The short version
- Driving the news: Trump's lawyers argue he's entitled to presidential immunity because he made the comments while he was serving as president in response to reporters' questions…
- State of play: Trump's lawyers unsuccessfully appealed the $83.3 million judgment to the federal appeals court in the 2nd Circuit. Now, in their filing to the Supreme Court…
- What to watch: The Supreme Court is dealing with Carroll-related litigation for the second time in two months. In June, the court declined to hear Trump's appeal of the $5 million verdict.…
The story
President Trump's lawyers are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the $83.3 million defamation judgment he was ordered to pay to E. Jean Carroll, Axios has learned.
- The judgment stemmed from Trump's 2019 statements in which he denied Carroll's claim that he'd sexually assaulted her in the 1990s and attacked her credibility, accusing her of making up the allegation.
Driving the news: Trump's lawyers argue he's entitled to presidential immunity because he made the comments while he was serving as president in response to reporters' questions, which centered on his fitness for office.
State of play: Trump's lawyers unsuccessfully appealed the $83.3 million judgment to the federal appeals court in the 2nd Circuit.
- Now, in their filing to the Supreme Court, the president's team is arguing that the appeals court never decided whether presidential immunity applied in the case, and that the appeal was rejected on procedural grounds.
- They argue that if the ruling stands, it will constitutionally weaken future presidents by exposing them to liability for statements made while in office.
The backstory: Carroll, a New York writer, in 2019 accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. Trump denied it, setting off years of litigation.
- In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and for defaming her in statements he made in 2022, awarding her $5 million.
- In January 2024, a different jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million for Trump's 2019 statements.
What to watch: The Supreme Court is dealing with Carroll-related litigation for the second time in two months.
- In June, the court declined to hear Trump's appeal of the $5 million verdict.
- Trump's team has asked the court to reconsider that judgment.
Axios has reached out to Carroll's legal team for comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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- Scoop: Trump asks Supreme Court to overturn $83M judgment for E. Jean CarrollYou are here
- Trump, DOJ ask Supreme Court to toss $83.3M defamation award to E. Jean Carroll - CNBCGoogle News
- Trump urges Supreme Court to overturn E. Jean Carroll’s $83M defamation verdict - CNNGoogle News
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The Story At A Glance
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- • Trump is asking the Supreme Court to overturn an $83.3 million defamation judgment.
- • The legal challenge argues that presidential immunity should protect his 2019 statements.
- • The case stems from allegations of sexual assault and subsequent denials made while in office.
A jury previously found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation regarding claims made by E. Jean Carroll. The current appeal focuses on whether his official capacity as president shields him from civil liability for his remarks.
Christian Perspective
This case highlights the necessity of protecting leadership from politically motivated litigation designed to undermine authority. True justice requires distinguishing between legitimate grievances and weaponized legal tactics used to harass a leader. Upholding the dignity of the office is essential for maintaining social order.
Implications
If this judgment stands, it sets a precedent that allows the legal system to be used as a tool for political persecution. This weakens the executive branch and invites constant litigation against leaders who defend the nation. It threatens the stability of the American hierarchy by making the presidency vulnerable to endless civil attacks.
Broader Trends
This litigation is part of a larger pattern of using the judicial system to target America First leaders. It reflects a broader cultural push to delegitimize traditional authority through endless legal warfare. Such tactics are common in efforts to destabilize the nation from within.
Takeaway
Support the preservation of presidential immunity to ensure strong leadership can function without fear of retribution. We must reject the weaponization of the courts by those seeking to dismantle the American political order. Defending the office is essential to defending the nation.
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