E Jean Carroll Defamation Ruling Upheld in Federal Appeals Court
WASHINGTON — In a landmark decision announced Tuesday from the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, a federal appeals panel unanimously upheld a 2023 civil defamation verdict against former President Donald Trump in the case brought by author E. Jean Carroll. The ruling, delivered on September 10, 2024, affirmed a lower court's finding that Mr. Trump had defamed Ms. Carroll by denying her rape allegation, which a jury had already determined to be defamatory. The appellate court rejected Mr. Trump's arguments claiming absolute presidential immunity and improper jury instructions, concluding that his statements were not protected under executive privilege. The decision, which now allows Ms. Carroll, 80, to proceed with a $5 million judgment, has been widely shared across social media platforms, with legal experts highlighting its implications for future defamation lawsuits involving high-ranking officials. Ms. Carroll, in a statement, expressed gratitude for the court's thorough examination of the facts. Mr. Trump's legal team has indicated they will seek further review from the Supreme Court.