On July 11, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made a significant decision regarding former President Donald Trump’s immunity in E. Jean Carroll’s $10 million defamation lawsuit. The DOJ reversed its earlier position, stating that Trump could not be immune from the lawsuit.
The DOJ’s reversal came after a jury’s verdict in November 2022, which found Trump guilty of defaming Carroll. The jury concluded that Trump’s denial of Carroll’s rape allegation, which she claimed occurred in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s, constituted defamation.
The DOJ’s new stance asserts that Trump’s statements about Carroll were not made in his official capacity as president. Consequently, he does not have immunity from the defamation lawsuit. This decision deals a significant blow to Trump’s efforts to avoid facing trial on the charges.
The trial, previously postponed due to the immunity debate, is now scheduled to take place in January 2024. If the jury rules in favor of Carroll, she could potentially receive damages of up to $10 million.
Carroll’s legal team expressed their satisfaction with the DOJ’s decision, describing it as a major victory for their client and for all women who have experienced sexual assault. They emphasized that the ruling sends a clear message that nobody, not even a former president, is exempt from the law.
As of now, Trump’s lawyers have not issued any comments regarding the DOJ decision. However, in the past, they have argued that Trump’s statements about Carroll were protected by the First Amendment.
This case serves as a significant test for the boundaries of presidential immunity. A favorable verdict for Carroll could establish a precedent that makes it more challenging for presidents to evade accountability for their actions outside of their official duties.
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