Trump Seeks Supreme Court Review of E. Jean Carroll Defamation Award

Why it matters locally: The legal proceedings at the center of this Supreme Court appeal originated from a federal jury decision made in New York City, where E. Jean Carroll was awarded damages.

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WASHINGTON D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging an $83.3 million defamation award granted to writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump's lawyers submitted the application, contending that presidential immunity protects him from civil liability for statements issued while he held office. The application specifically requests a stay on the enforcement of the judgment. A federal jury in New York City determined in January that Trump defamed Carroll and awarded her compensatory and punitive damages. Carroll originally filed her defamation lawsuit in 2019, alleging Trump damaged her reputation after she publicly accused him of sexual assault. Trump consistently denied the allegations, stating he did not know Carroll and that her claims were fabricated. During the trial, Trump's legal counsel maintained that his remarks fell within his official duties as president. They argued that public officials require broad immunity to perform their roles without fear of constant litigation. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who presided over the New York trial, rejected the immunity argument. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals also previously ruled against Trump's claim of absolute immunity in the case. The Supreme Court now faces a decision on whether to hear the appeal. If the court accepts the case, it could establish a precedent regarding the scope of presidential immunity in defamation claims.