Donald Trump asks Supreme Court to throw out $83m E. Jean Carroll defamation verdict

Donald Trump has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to overturn an $83.3 million defamation verdict awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll. This action follows a January 2024 jury decision that found Trump liable for defaming Carroll through statements he made while in office, denying her allegations of sexual assault. Trump's legal team argues that an appeals court incorrectly failed to address his claim of presidential immunity for these statements.

The Justice Department has also filed a separate appeal supporting Trump, contending that the federal government should replace him as the defendant in the case. They argue that Trump's statements were made within the scope of his federal employment, potentially shielding him under the Westfall Act, which could lead to the judgment being voided as the government cannot be sued for defamation.

This appeal marks the second instance Trump has sought Supreme Court intervention in his legal battles with Carroll. Just last month, in June 2026, the Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal of a separate $5 million verdict, which found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation based on comments made after his presidency.