President Trump Seeks Delay in $83.3 Million Defamation Judgment Enforcement: Legal Battle Continues
President Donald Trump is seeking to delay the enforcement of an $83.3 million defamation judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll by asking a federal appeals court to pause the mandate in the case. Trump's legal team argues that a stay is necessary to address constitutional questions regarding presidential immunity and the Westfall Act. If granted, the stay would prevent Carroll from collecting the judgment while Trump pursues a potential appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The request for a stay comes after the Second Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trump's bid to rehear the case before the full court, effectively closing off further review at that level. Trump's lawyers emphasize that a stay is crucial to prevent irreparable harm, especially since Carroll has indicated her intention to donate any money she receives, making recovery challenging if the ruling is later reversed by the Supreme Court.
Carroll does not oppose Trump's request for a stay but has asked for an increase in the bond backing the judgment to cover additional post-judgment interest if Supreme Court proceedings extend into late 2027. Trump's legal team highlights unresolved questions about presidential immunity and the application of the Westfall Act, pointing to dissenting judges who raised concerns about these issues.
The Second Circuit will decide whether to grant the stay of its mandate, which would temporarily halt enforcement of the judgment. If the stay is denied, Trump could directly petition the Supreme Court for intervention. The $83.3 million judgment remains in place for now, but Trump's filing signals his ongoing efforts to delay payment and potentially bring the case to the nation's highest court.
In conclusion, President Trump is seeking to delay the enforcement of the defamation judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll by requesting a stay from the federal appeals court. The legal battle revolves around constitutional questions regarding presidential immunity and the Westfall Act, with Trump aiming to pursue further review at the Supreme Court. Carroll's willingness to pause collection proceedings, coupled with Trump's efforts to address legal issues, sets the stage for potential Supreme Court involvement in the case.