Overview

• A Second Circuit panel on June 24 heard arguments over whether to overturn the January 2024 jury award ordering Trump to pay $83.3 million for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll.
• Trump’s lawyers cite a recent Supreme Court decision to argue that statements made in his official capacity should be shielded from civil liability under presidential immunity.
• The appeals court previously rejected Trump’s bid to substitute the U.S. government as defendant and he has posted a $91.6 million bond covering the judgment and accrued interest.
• Carroll’s attorney highlighted the daily rape and death threats the 81-year-old writer receives, urging judges to uphold the verdict and protect her safety.
• The panel offered no indication of its timetable for ruling, leaving open further appeals to the full court or the Supreme Court.