Trump Seeks Freeze on Defamation Lawsuit Ruling
President Donald Trump has requested a federal appeals court to pause a recent ruling that dismissed his challenge to an $83 million defamation lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll. Trump intends to bring the case before the Supreme Court.
Appeals Court Decision Paves the Way for Supreme Court Review
In his filing, Trump has urged New York’s 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals to halt the enforcement of the ruling so he can submit questions regarding presidential immunity and the Westfall Act to the Supreme Court. The appeals court previously denied Trump’s request for a hearing involving the full bench to contest the damages awarded to Carroll in 2024.
Background of the Defamation Case
Carroll successfully won damages after a federal jury determined that Trump defamed her when he repeatedly denied allegations that he sexually assaulted her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in 1996. The jury’s decision has positioned Carroll to receive substantial compensation for the harm caused to her reputation.
Trump’s Legal Strategy Involving the Westfall Act
In a significant move, Trump invoked the Westfall Act, seeking to substitute the United States for himself as the defendant. This strategy hinges on the premise that public officials are shielded from defamation lawsuits when acting within the scope of their official roles. By shifting the defendant from Trump to the federal government, the intent is to invalidate Carroll’s claims completely.
Concerns Over Potential Harm to Trump
Trump’s legal team argued that there is a strong likelihood that the Supreme Court will overturn the lower court’s decision regarding the Westfall Commission. They warned that if the Supreme Court does not temporarily prevent the enforcement of Carroll’s $83 million judgment, irreversible harm could result to Trump.
Carroll’s Legal Team’s Response
Carroll’s lawyers reacted to Trump’s request, indicating they would not oppose the motion as long as Trump can secure $7.46 million in bail, accounting for the interest that could accrue during the Supreme Court proceedings. This response demonstrates a cooperative approach while highlighting the financial implications at stake.
Government Involvement in Trump’s Appeal
Additionally, the Justice Department disclosed it would ask the Supreme Court to review Trump’s assertions. In a filing signed by Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, the department found “good cause” to support Trump’s request for a suspension of the Second Circuit’s ruling. They plan to argue that Trump should indeed be named as a defendant in the case.
Continued Legal Battles for Trump
This situation is not Trump’s only legal challenge stemming from Carroll; he also asked the Supreme Court to consider his appeal on another $5 million lawsuit related to comments made after his first term. The lawsuits encapsulate a broader narrative that intertwines Trump’s public statements and legal strategies as he contests the allegations leveled against him. Throughout, he has consistently characterized Carroll’s claims as fabrications intended to benefit her book sales.
