On September 8, 2025, a federal appeals court rejected former President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the $83.3 million judgment against him for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The decision upholds the jury verdict and the financial penalty.
Case Background and Appeals Court Ruling
The $83.3 million judgment was awarded to E. Jean Carroll after a jury found that Trump had defamed her in public statements. Trump’s legal team argued that the amount was excessive and that the verdict should be invalidated, especially in light of a recent Supreme Court decision expanding presidential immunity. However, the appeals court rejected these arguments and affirmed the original judgment.
The ruling comes as Trump’s lawyers have indicated they will soon ask the Supreme Court to overturn a separate jury verdict in another Carroll case. The appeals court’s decision reinforces the accountability of public figures for defamatory statements, even after serving as president.
Key Points from News Coverage
- The appeals court decision was issued on September 8, 2025.
- Trump argued the judgment was excessive and referenced presidential immunity, but the court was not persuaded.
- The case has drawn significant media attention and is seen as a landmark in holding former presidents accountable for personal conduct.
For more details, see the CNBC article: Trump loses $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll defamation appeal – CNBC
Sources & Video
- CNBC: Trump loses $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll defamation appeal
- ABC7: Appeals court upholds $83 million judgment against Trump
- Democratic Underground: Trump loses bid to overturn $83.3 million judgment
- InvestorsHub: Trump loses bid to overturn $83.3 million judgment
- CNBC International on X (Twitter)
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