Former President Donald Trump’s counterclaim in the defamation case brought against him by E. Jean Carroll has been dismissed by Judge Lewis Kaplan of the Southern District of New York. In his counterclaim, Trump argued that Carroll had made false statements that tarnished his reputation. This recent ruling follows a previous decision in May where Carroll was awarded $5 million in a similar case against Trump. A jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting Carroll in 1996 and defaming her in 2022.
Additionally, Judge Kaplan has granted Carroll’s legal team permission to provide the Manhattan District Attorney’s office with tapes from Trump’s deposition in the case. Trump’s legal team had attempted to prevent the DA’s office from accessing these tapes. Throughout the proceedings, Trump has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that he is not acquainted with Carroll and did not commit any sexual assault against her. He has criticized the Justice Department for not coming to his defense and has voiced his belief that the trial was unjust.
As the legal battle carries on, both parties are standing firm in their positions, creating a contentious and ongoing case.