Trump Loses Supreme Court Bid to Overturn $5M Carroll Verdict

In his rehearing petition, Trump tried to broaden the appeal by raising presidential immunity and linking it to the larger $83 million case. He contends he is immune from the second suit because his allegedly defamatory statements were official acts. That argument relies partly on the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling that gave presidents broad criminal immunity for official conduct.

Although the $5 million case covered comments Trump made between his two White House terms, he argued the jury's finding was tainted because the trial included some discussion of his presidential statements. He urged the court to at least delay finalizing the verdict until it resolves the larger appeal.

Carroll testified that Trump assaulted her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in 1996. Trump denied the allegations. Carroll said Trump defamed her by posting on social media in 2022 that her story was a "complete con job" and a "hoax."

The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to hear the $83.3 million appeal; a decision is expected this fall.