Written by

Legal Setback for Trump: Court Rejects Immunity Claim Three Years After E. Jean Carroll's Allegations

"Legal Blow for Trump as Appeals Court Rejects Presidential Immunity Claim in E. Jean Carroll Defamation Lawsuit

In a significant setback for Donald Trump, an appeals court ruled that the former president cannot assert presidential immunity in the defamation lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, upholding a federal judge's previous ruling, stated on Wednesday that Trump had waited three years too long to invoke presidential immunity as a defense.

The three-judge panel deemed the 3-year delay as 'undue' under legal precedents, asserting that presidential immunity is waivable, and Trump had effectively waived this defense by the delay. Carroll initially filed the defamation suit in November 2019, and Trump responded in January of the following year. However, it wasn't until January of the current year that he attempted to assert presidential immunity.

Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, expressed disagreement with the ruling, declaring it fundamentally flawed. She vowed to seek immediate review from the Supreme Court on the matter. The upcoming trial, scheduled for next month, revolves around Trump's alleged false and defamatory statements about Carroll, including denial of sexual assault and insinuations that she fabricated the incident to promote her book.

Notably, this case is distinct from a prior sexual assault and defamation case Carroll won earlier in the year, where a jury found Trump guilty and ordered him to pay $5 million in damages. As the legal proceedings unfold, the stakes remain high, shaping the narrative around Trump's accountability in the face of allegations. At HuffPost, our commitment to accessible journalism persists, ensuring that vital news and analyses are available to all, irrespective of financial constraints."

"Preserving Democracy: Support Free and Informed Journalism at HuffPost

In a world where quality journalism is essential for a thriving democracy, HuffPost remains committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone. We believe that well-informed citizens are the bedrock of a vibrant democracy. However, not everyone can afford expensive news subscriptions, and that's where your support becomes crucial.

As we approach the intensifying 2024 presidential race, the very foundations of our democracy hang in the balance. Your contribution, as little as $1, can make a significant impact. HuffPost's mission is to keep news free for everyone, ensuring that critical information reaches all citizens, irrespective of financial barriers.

In an era where many newsrooms have retreated behind paywalls, we stand firm in our commitment to open access. Our newsroom continues to deliver hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analyses, and timely takes on the unfolding political landscape. Upholding our responsibility to report on the current political climate, we invite you to support our newsroom by contributing as little as $1 a month.

Your support is not just a donation; it's an investment in democracy, empowering us to continue our mission of keeping citizens informed and engaged. Join us in shaping the narrative of one of the most consequential elections in recent history. Together, let's ensure that well-informed citizens remain at the heart of a thriving democracy."

"In conclusion, the essence of a thriving democracy lies in well-informed citizens, and HuffPost is dedicated to upholding this principle by providing freely accessible, high-quality journalism. As we navigate the challenges of the 2024 presidential race, the foundations of our democracy are under scrutiny, emphasizing the critical role of an informed electorate.

We acknowledge that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, and that's why we rely on your support. Your contribution, even as modest as $1 a month, goes a long way in sustaining our mission to keep news free for everyone. At HuffPost, we stand firm in our commitment to open access, resisting the trend of paywalls that limit information.

As we continue to deliver hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analyses, and timely commentary on the unfolding political landscape, we recognize the weight of our responsibility. Your support becomes more than a donation; it becomes an investment in democracy, empowering us to provide the information necessary for citizens to actively engage in shaping the narrative of our collective future.

Join us in this endeavor. Together, let's safeguard the principles of democracy by ensuring that every citizen, regardless of financial constraints, remains well-informed and equipped to participate in the democratic process. Your support amplifies the impact of free and accessible journalism, making a lasting contribution to the vitality of our democracy."