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Donald Trump is currently embroiled in a legal battle to evade the $83 million payment owed to E. Jean Carroll, a sum awarded to her after a court found Trump liable for defamation over years of disparaging remarks. It’s not merely that he’s been labeled an adjudicated rapist, but he has also persisted in further defaming Carroll, compounding his legal woes.
In a rather audacious move, Trump is attempting to shift the financial responsibility of his appeal onto American taxpayers by seeking representation from the Department of Justice.
According to ABC News, the appeals court firmly rejected Trump’s request:
A federal appeals court determined on Wednesday that American taxpayers will not cover the costs associated with the appeal of Donald Trump’s $83 million defamation case against columnist E. Jean Carroll.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Trump’s plea to have Justice Department lawyers represent him in this appeal.
In an almost comical twist, Trump’s legal team argued, through the DOJ, that his defamation of E. Jean Carroll fell within the realm of his presidential duties, claiming such remarks were made during an official speech.
In Trump’s perspective, any action taken while in office is inherently official, thus justifying taxpayer coverage of the ensuing legal costs.
This ruling holds significance beyond just the Carroll case; it illustrates a crucial boundary established by the courts regarding presidential conduct. While the Supreme Court’s decisions on presidential immunity have often been expansive, they have also left room for interpretation. Importantly, this ruling clarifies that defamation does not qualify as an official act of the presidency.
What are your thoughts on Trump being required to finance his own appeal? We encourage you to share your opinions in the comments section below.
