In a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump, a U.S. District Judge, Lewis Kaplan, has today, September 6, ruled that Trump must face a trial in a defamation lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll.
According to The Bloomberg report, the judge’s decision comes as a partial victory for Carroll, as the trial will focus solely on determining the amount of damages that Trump must pay to the writer.
The lawsuit revolves around Trump’s actions in June 2019 when Carroll accused him of sexually assaulting her years earlier.
Judge Kaplan found that Trump had acted with actual malice in making a series of false statements about Carroll during that period.
This ruling aligns with a previous jury verdict in Carroll’s favor from a separate lawsuit against Trump. In that case, the jury found Trump liable for both the sexual assault and defamation of Carroll.
The judge’s decision now extends the liability for defamation to the 2019 statements made by Trump, emphasizing that the issue of whether Trump acted with actual malice is consistent with the earlier verdict.
The upcoming trial, scheduled to begin on January 15, 2024, coincides with the Iowa Republican caucus. However, the trial’s primary purpose will be to determine the extent of the damages Trump owes to Carroll.
Carroll’s legal victory in this latest ruling marks another chapter in her ongoing legal battle against Trump. She has sought justice for the alleged assault and the subsequent defamation she endured.
The judge’s decision underscores the seriousness of the accusations against the former president and the legal consequences he now faces.
This ruling could have far-reaching implications for Trump as he continues to grapple with various legal challenges and investigations.
It also serves as a reminder that public figures can be held accountable for their statements and actions in defamation cases, even when they have held the highest office in the land.
As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom as the legal proceedings unfold and the determination of damages is made.
The outcome of this case could have a lasting impact on Trump’s legal legacy and how he is viewed by the public and the legal community.
