E. Jean Carroll Wins Again: Court Rejects Trump's Appeal
E Jean Carroll in New York, 2006. Photo courtesy of julieannesmo under CC BY-SA 3.0.
A federal appeals court has reportedly delivered a significant blow to President Donald Trump, upholding an $83.3 million defamation verdict against him in a case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The ruling, handed down by the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, confirms that Trump's repeated public attacks on Carroll in 2019 were defamatory. It also affirms that his claim to presidential immunity does not shield him from accountability in this civil matter.
The Case That Refused to Fade
The legal battle began after Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s during a chance encounter in a department store dressing room. Trump has consistently denied the allegation, calling Carroll's claims fabricated and asserting she was not his "type," as reported by Reuters. After her public accusations, Trump reportedly launched a series of vehement denials and disparaging remarks. Carroll argued these amounted to defamation, damaging her reputation and causing emotional distress.
The initial trial found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation but not rape under New York law. Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages. A subsequent trial focused solely on damages related to defamatory statements Trump made while president. This trial resulted in the much larger $83.3 million judgment.
Appeals Court Rejects Presidential Immunity Defense
Trump's legal team argued that his statements were protected by presidential immunity, a defense that has been the subject of intense legal debate. They reportedly contended that comments made in his official capacity as president should shield him from civil liability. The appeals court rejected this argument. It affirmed that immunity does not extend to defamatory statements made outside the scope of official duties.
The court emphasized that the jury's damages awards were "fair and reasonable" given the egregious facts of the case, as reported by Fox News. It noted that Trump's conduct was remarkably high in its degree of reprehensibility, adding that it was "perhaps unprecedented," as reported by the Associated Press. The court cited the hundreds of death threats Carroll received as a result of the attacks on her character.
The Weight of Defamation
The $83.3 million award includes $18.3 million for emotional and reputational harm and $65 million in punitive damages. The court's ruling highlighted that Trump's attacks were not isolated. They continued for at least five years, reportedly intensifying as the trial approached and even during the proceedings themselves. At one point, Trump publicly declared he would continue to defame Carroll "a thousand times," according to the Associated Press, underscoring the persistence of his campaign against her.
Carroll's legal team welcomed the decision. They viewed it as a vindication of her claims and a rejection of attempts to dismiss her case on procedural grounds. According to the Associated Press, her lawyer reportedly expressed hope that the appellate process would soon conclude, allowing justice to be fully realized.
Trump's Response and Next Steps
Trump's lawyers criticized the ruling, framing the case as part of what they call "Liberal Lawfare" aimed at undermining him politically, as reported by Reuters. They vowed to continue fighting the judgment. The case is likely headed to the Supreme Court for further review.
Throughout the trial and appeals, Trump maintained his innocence. He portrayed the lawsuit as a politically motivated attack designed to damage his reputation and derail his 2024 presidential campaign, as reported by the Associated Press. His defense team also challenged the trial judge's decision to bar them from arguing Trump's innocence before the damages jury. The appeals court upheld that ruling.
The Broader Context
This case is one among several legal challenges Trump faces following his presidency, including criminal convictions in state court and civil lawsuits related to his business practices and other controversies. The appeals court's decision reinforces that even a sitting president is not immune from civil liability when it comes to defamation and personal conduct.
For Carroll, the ruling represents a moment of resilience and recognition after years of public scrutiny and personal hardship. The court's acknowledgment of the severity of Trump's conduct and the substantial damages awarded reflect the serious consequences that defamatory statements can carry, regardless of the speaker's political stature.
What This Means Going Forward
The appeals court's affirmation of the $83.3 million verdict sends a clear message that political power does not grant immunity from accountability in civil courts. Defamation, especially when it involves public figures and serious allegations, carries grave and lasting costs.
As the case moves toward potential Supreme Court review, the legal and political ramifications will continue to unfold. This decision marks a significant chapter in the ongoing saga between E. Jean Carroll and President Donald Trump. It underscores the enduring impact of defamation and the limits of presidential privilege in the face of personal accountability.
References: E Jean Carroll defamation verdict upheld as Trump appeal rejected | Court upholds E. Jean Carroll's $83.3M defamation judgment against Trump | Trump fails to overturn E. Jean Carroll's $83 million verdict
