Two monetary judgments against Mr. Trump are winding their way through the legal system, with the Supreme Court likely to be the final word on both

Legal Proceedings Underway

Two separate civil monetary judgments against former President Donald Trump are currently advancing through the federal appeals process. Both cases involve significant financial penalties, and legal analysts anticipate that the United States Supreme Court will ultimately serve as the final arbiter for each matter.

E. Jean Carroll Cases

The first judgment stems from a defamation and battery lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. A New York jury found Mr. Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Ms. Carroll a total of $5 million in damages in May 2023. A second jury later awarded an additional $83.3 million in a separate defamation case. Mr. Trump has appealed both verdicts, arguing that the proceedings were flawed and that the damages were excessive. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York is currently reviewing the appeals.

Presidential Immunity Defense

Central to Mr. Trump’s defense is a claim of presidential immunity. His legal team contends that statements he made about Ms. Carroll while he was president are protected under the doctrine of absolute immunity for official acts. The lower courts rejected this argument, ruling that the statements were not made within the scope of official presidential duties. The Second Circuit’s decision on this issue is expected to be pivotal, as the outcome could influence how similar claims are treated in future cases involving former presidents.

Supreme Court Likely Final Arbiter

Given the constitutional questions raised—particularly regarding the scope of presidential immunity—legal experts widely predict that the Supreme Court will eventually be asked to review the case. The high court’s decision, if it agrees to hear the appeals, would likely establish a precedent for civil liability of sitting and former presidents. The Supreme Court has previously addressed presidential immunity in criminal contexts, most notably in the 2020 case *Trump v. Vance*, which dealt with a subpoena for Mr. Trump’s financial records. A ruling on civil liability would extend that body of law.

Context

The Carroll cases are not the only civil monetary judgments pending against Mr. Trump. In a separate matter, a New York state court found Mr. Trump liable for business fraud and ordered him to pay $454 million in penalties and interest. That case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, is also under appeal. Both matters share a common thread: the intersection of presidential conduct and civil liability, with the Supreme Court poised to weigh in on the legal boundaries of such claims.