Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLindsey Whitehurst & Larry NeumeisterThursday 30 July 2026 12:07 BSTE. Jean Carroll departs Manhattan federal appeals court following arguments in a judgement appeal brought by Trump, in New York City, September 6, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)Donald Trump and the Justice Department are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to wipe out the $83.3 million defamation judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll, arguing the former president cannot be held personally liable for comments he made while in office.Elite Wall Street law firm Sullivan & Cromwell has joined Trump's legal team after previously declining to take the closely watched case, marking a dramatic reversal as the fight heads to the nation's highest court.The firm's decision has sparked backlash from prominent legal figures, including conservative attorney George Conway, who questioned why one of the country's most prestigious firms would defend Trump.Trump's lawyers and the Justice Department contend his statements about Carroll were made within the scope of his presidential duties and are therefore protected under presidential immunity and the Westfall Act.The $83.3 million judgment, awarded in January 2024, remains on hold while the Supreme Court decides whether to hear Trump's appeal. The case follows a separate $5 million verdict in Carroll's favor that the justices previously declined to review.In fullElite law firm faces backlash after joining Trump’s fight against E. Jean Carroll verdictMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in