Justice Department Withdraws Support for Shielding Trump in Carroll Defamation Lawsuit

The Justice Department has reversed its position and will no longer support shielding former President Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll. The government originally argued that Trump was protected by the Westfall Act, but a jury's determination in a separate civil lawsuit that Trump was liable for sexual abuse and defamation influenced the decision. The Justice Department concluded that Trump's denial of Carroll's claims was not related to his role as a federal employee, and recent statements made by Trump also undermined the claim that he made similar statements in his capacity as president. The lawsuit remains active and is set to go to trial in January 2024.