- Decision Date & Court
On September 8, 2025, a three-judge panel of the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a jury’s award of $83.3 million in a defamation case brought by columnist E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump.AP News - Grounds for the Judgment
The jury found Trump’s repeated public attacks and false statements about Carroll after she accused him of sexual assault were defamatory and made “with malice,” justifying substantial punitive damages.The Times of India - Appeal Rejections
The court rejected Trump’s appeals—both that the punitive damages were excessive and that he was protected by presidential immunity. The judges declared the award “fair and reasonable,” given the “extraordinary and unprecedented” nature of Trump’s attacks.The Wall Street Journal - Impact on Carroll
The ruling highlighted the severe personal and professional toll on Carroll, including the termination of her long tenure at Elle, significant loss of freelance income, and receipt of threats, including death threats.The Wall Street Journal
What This Means
- Legal Significance
This ruling reinforces that not even a president is shielded from accountability for defamatory public statements. Presidential immunity does not broadly extend to personal, non-official conduct.The Wall Street Journal - Precedent for Damages
The size of punitive damages—$65 million in this case—stands in line with other notable high-impact defamation cases, confirming the judiciary’s readiness to reinforce reputational harms through substantial awards.The Wall Street Journal - Next Legal Steps
Trump is expected to request the Supreme Court to review the ruling. Until then, the verdict stands.The Wall Street Journal - Cultural & Public Messaging
Carroll’s lawyers framed the decision as bolstering the truth of her allegations. It may also reshape public perceptions about accountability for misinformation and personal attacks, especially from individuals holding power.AP Newsnymag.com
What This Means