Trump Urges Supreme Court to Overturn Carroll Abuse and Defamation Ruling

Former President Donald Trump is seeking a review from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding a $5 million civil case. This case, stemming from allegations made by writer E. Jean Carroll, found that Trump sexually abused and defamed her. In 2022, a federal appeals court upheld the jury’s verdict, confirming that the lower court’s decisions did not warrant a new trial.

Background of the Case

The conflict began when Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault in a New York department store during the mid-1990s. She also claimed that Trump’s statements in 2019, which denied her allegations and suggested she fabricated the story for personal gain, were defamatory. In response to Carroll’s allegations, Trump maintains that the accusations lack sufficient evidence.

Legal Proceedings and Rulings

• Trump lost an attempt to have the appeals process reviewed by the complete bench of judges in June 2023.
• During the civil trial, Judge Lewis Kaplan allowed testimony from other women who accused Trump of similar misconduct.
• Trump’s lawyers argue that presenting the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, where Trump was recorded making derogatory remarks about women, was prejudicial.

In his appeal, Trump stated, “There were no eyewitnesses, no video evidence, and no police report or investigation.” He criticized Carroll for what he views as a politically motivated accusation made years after the alleged event.

Implications of the Supreme Court’s Review

The Supreme Court has yet to decide whether it will take up the case. The implications of this ruling could be significant, especially regarding presidential immunity. Trump’s legal team has argued that he should be shielded from civil damages related to actions taken during his presidency.

Additional Legal Context

Notably, a different jury found Trump liable for defamation in 2022 after he reiterated his claims against Carroll. This jury ordered Trump to pay $83 million in damages, a decision confirmed by a federal appeals court panel. The panel characterized the damages as “reasonable given the extraordinary and egregious facts” of the case.

The Justice Department has filed an amicus brief supporting the review of whether presidential immunity can be claimed in civil liability cases tied to official actions. Carroll is expected to respond to the appeal in the upcoming weeks.