Defamation Judgment Upheld: In a significant legal defeat for former President Donald Trump, a federal appeals court has affirmed the $83.3 million defamation judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit rejected Trump’s arguments, including claims of presidential immunity, deeming the jury’s damages awards “fair and reasonable,” according to court documents.
The Key Players
The legal battle centers on E. Jean Carroll, a well-known advice columnist and writer, and Donald J. Trump, the former President of the United States. The appellate decision was rendered by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. The original civil trials were presided over by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan in the Southern District of New York.
Appeals Court Ruling: The Details
On Monday, September 8, 2025, the appeals court upheld the jury’s verdict, mandating that Donald Trump pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll for defamatory statements. This judgment stems from Trump’s repeated public attacks on Carroll’s character and truthfulness after she accused him of sexual assault, which allegedly occurred in the mid-1990s. Trump’s legal team had argued that his statements were protected by presidential immunity and that the damages were excessive. The appellate panel, however, unanimously dismissed these claims, as reported by The Associated Press.
Background: Initial Allegations and Lawsuits
Carroll first publicly accused Trump of sexual assault in 2019, leading to his denials and subsequent lawsuits. This $83.3 million judgment is separate from an earlier $5 million award Carroll received in May 2023, where a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. That $5 million judgment was also upheld by an appeals court in June 2025, according to Fox News.
Legal Arguments and Court’s Reasoning
Trump’s lawyers contended that his statements were made in his capacity as president and were therefore protected by immunity. They also argued that the damages awarded were disproportionate to the alleged harm. However, the appeals court disagreed, emphasizing that the jury’s findings of defamation were well-supported. The court concluded that the district court did not err in its challenged rulings and that the jury’s damages were “reasonable in light of the extraordinary and egregious facts of this case,” as stated in the court documents available on Justia Law and FindLaw Caselaw.
Impact and Future Legal Actions
This ruling represents a significant legal setback for Donald Trump, reinforcing the substantial financial liability he faces. As Newsweek reports, his legal team had previously indicated their intention to appeal the $5 million judgment to the U.S. Supreme Court, and it is highly likely they will pursue further appeals regarding this $83.3 million judgment as well. The decision underscores the legal consequences of his public statements and adds to the growing list of legal challenges confronting the former president.
Statements from Legal Teams
Following the ruling, Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, stated that they look forward to the end of the appellate process so that justice will finally be done. The case has drawn significant media attention, with detailed coverage from outlets such as PBS News, The Economic Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. The timeline of events and legal proceedings is also documented on Wikipedia.
Conclusion
The appeals court’s decision to uphold the $83.3 million defamation judgment against Donald Trump marks a critical juncture in the ongoing legal saga between him and E. Jean Carroll. This ruling not only reinforces the financial consequences of Trump’s public statements but also sets a precedent for holding public figures accountable for defamatory remarks. As the case potentially moves towards further appeals, its impact on both legal and political landscapes remains significant.
