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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedJuly 29, 2026United States

Trump and DOJ Ask Supreme Court to Overturn $83 Million Defamation Verdict

Former President Donald Trump and the U.S. Justice Department are petitioning the Supreme Court to vacate an $83 million defamation judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll. The appeal argues that Trump is protected by presidential immunity for statements made while in office and seeks to invoke the Westfall Act to shield him from personal liability.

Supreme CourtDefamationPresidential ImmunityLegal ProceedingsJustice Department
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Why It Matters

The Supreme Court's decision on whether to hear this case will determine if a former president can be held personally liable for damages resulting from statements made while serving in office.

Key Facts

  • Donald Trump and the Justice Department are asking the Supreme Court to overturn an $83 million defamation verdict.
  • The $83 million award stems from comments Trump made in 2019 while serving as president.
  • The Justice Department is attempting to use the Westfall Act to argue that the president is shielded from personal liability for conduct within the scope of federal office.
  • Trump's legal team argues the $83 million award is 'grossly excessive' and that lower courts engaged in 'procedural contortions'.
  • The Supreme Court previously refused in June to hear an appeal regarding a separate $5 million verdict against Trump.
  • The $5 million verdict, awarded in 2023, has already been paid.
  • The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to delay the $83 million payout until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear the case.
  • E. Jean Carroll testified that the sexual assault occurred in spring 1996 at a Bergdorf Goodman store.
  • Trump has consistently denied the allegations and claims he cannot be sued for comments made during his first term.

Who's Mentioned

organizationJustice Department“Federal agency seeking to invoke the Westfall Act to shield the president.”personE. Jean Carroll“Writer and plaintiff who won defamation and sexual abuse verdicts.”organization2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals“The court that previously rejected Trump's appeal.”organizationSupreme Court“The court being petitioned to hear the appeal.”personDonald Trump“Former President and defendant in the defamation case.”