Appeals Court: DOJ Can’t Defend Trump in E. Jean Carroll Defamation Appeal

NEW YORK – In a major legal setback for former President Donald Trump, a federal appeals court has ruled that the Justice Department cannot step in on his behalf in the ongoing appeal of a $83 million defamation judgment linked to E. Jean Carroll.

Why This Matters

Trump’s legal team had asked the court to allow DOJ lawyers to represent him, arguing that his statements about Carroll were made in his official capacity as president. But the Second Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed, saying that Trump’s comments were personal, not presidential, so taxpayers can’t foot the bill.

This earlier this year follows another blow: the same court had just denied Trump’s petition for a full-panel review of the case when he tried to overturn a $5 million ruling related to Carroll’s sexual-abuse and defamation claims.

What Trump Says

Trump’s legal team argued that, since some of his statements fell under “official acts,” the DOJ should defend him like any other federal employee. They cited decisions about presidential immunity—especially a recent Supreme Court ruling that offered expanded protections for presidents.

What the Court Decided

The appeals court firmly disagreed. In its order, the judges wrote that DOJ involvement would be inappropriate, as Carroll’s case dealt with personal statements, not policy or official duties. As a result, Trump’s appeal will proceed with his private lawyers—and not government attorneys.