Former President Donald Trump can now be held accountable for defamatory comments he made about E Jean Carroll, a woman who accused him of rape. The US Department of Justice, which previously argued that Trump was immune from such lawsuits as president, has changed its stance. Government attorneys stated that there is no longer enough evidence to support the claim that Trump’s remarks were made within the scope of his presidential duties. This decision strengthens Carroll’s defamation lawsuit against Trump, in which she is seeking $10 million in damages. The trial is set to take place in January.
The lawsuit revolves around comments made by Trump in 2019 when responding to reporters’ questions about Carroll. In May, he was ordered to pay her $5 million for sexual abuse that occurred in 1996. The justice department’s earlier position was that Trump’s statements were made as part of his presidential role and could be defended by government attorneys. However, new evidence emerged after Trump left office, leading the department to conclude that Trump’s motivations were rooted in personal animus rather than a desire to serve the United States government.
Carroll’s lawyer expressed satisfaction with the justice department’s revised stance, stating that they have always believed Trump’s statements were driven by personal animosity. The lawsuit has been updated to include additional comments made by Trump during a CNN town hall. This development adds to Trump’s legal troubles, as he faces multiple ongoing investigations and lawsuits. The outcome of Carroll’s defamation case could have significant implications for Trump’s future legal battles.
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