Trump's Legal Team Draws Criticism Over Carroll Verdict Appeal
WHO:
The Independent - President Donald Trump, E. Jean Carroll, Sullivan & Cromwell law firm, George Conway, Catherine Cullen, Boris Epshteyn, Robert Giuffra, Jamie McDonald
Al Jazeera - President Donald Trump, E. Jean Carroll, Department of Justice
WHAT:
The Independent - Trump is appealing a $83.3 million defamation verdict awarded to E. Jean Carroll.
The Independent - The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to throw out the $83.3 million judgment.
Al Jazeera - The Department of Justice has filed separate petitions supporting Trump’s appeal to reject the defamation award.
Al Jazeera - A jury awarded Carroll $5 million in a separate case, finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
Al Jazeera - A Manhattan jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in January 2024 for defamation.
WHERE:
The Independent - The case is being heard in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Al Jazeera - The defamation cases are linked to events that occurred at Bergdorf Goodman department store.
WHEN:
The Independent - The $83.3 million verdict was awarded in January 2024.
Al Jazeera - The second defamation case was resolved in 2023.
Al Jazeera - The Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal of the $5 million verdict in June.
WHY:
The Independent - Trump argues he cannot be held personally liable for statements made while serving as president.
Al Jazeera - The appeals are based on the Westfall Act, which protects federal employees from personal lawsuits for actions taken within the scope of their official duties.
HOW:
The Independent - Trump's legal team claims the appeals court wrongly rejected his claim of presidential immunity.
Al Jazeera - Trump's lawyers argue that his statements about Carroll were part of his official duties as president.
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 16:34 UTC)
President Trump is appealing a significant defamation verdict of $83.3 million awarded to E. Jean Carroll, with the U.S. Supreme Court being asked to overturn this judgment. The Department of Justice has filed separate petitions supporting Trump's appeal, asserting that he cannot be held personally liable for statements made during his presidency, citing the Westfall Act as a basis for his defense. Trump's legal team contends that the appeals court incorrectly dismissed his claim of presidential immunity, arguing that his comments regarding Carroll were made as part of his official duties while in office.