Legal AF by MeidasTouch - Episode Summary: "Trump Gets Ruling He Feared in Appeals Court"
Release Date: July 12, 2025
In this gripping episode of Legal AF by MeidasTouch, hosts Ben Meiselas, Michael Popak, and Karen Friedman Agnifilo delve deep into the latest judicial developments involving former President Donald Trump and civil rights advocate E. Jean Carroll. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of recent court rulings, the implications for Trump's legal battles, and the broader intersection of law and politics in today's climate.
E. Jean Carroll's Legal Triumphs Against Donald Trump
Michael Popak opens the discussion by highlighting a "silver lining" in the tumultuous state of American democracy: the consistent legal victories against Donald Trump. He emphasizes that E. Jean Carroll has "just can’t stop winning" in her legal confrontations with Trump, underscoring the significance of these victories in the broader fight for justice and accountability.
Michael Popak [02:58]: "At a time when our democracy looks to be on a knife's edge, there is a silver lining. There are people that have beaten the Trump administration. Do it regularly. Eugene Carroll just can't stop winning and beating Donald Trump."
In-Depth Look at the Second Circuit Court Rulings
The hosts break down two major cases currently before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals involving E. Jean Carroll:
-
$5.5 Million Judgment: This case stems from a federal jury's decision in 1990, which found that Trump sexually abused and defamed Carroll. The jury awarded her $5.5 million. Trump appealed, contesting the trial's validity, but the Second Circuit upheld the original verdict.
-
$83.5 Million Judgment: Following the initial ruling, a second trial focused solely on whether Trump had continued to defame Carroll during his presidency. The jury awarded her a staggering $83.5 million. Similar to the first case, Trump appealed, but the Second Circuit maintained the judgment.
Michael Popak [06:44]: "There are two major cases that are up on the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals involving E. Jean Carroll. One involves a $5.5 million judgment... and they awarded her $5.5 million. He then didn't stop. He kept defaming and defaming... the jury came back with $83 million."
E. Jean Carroll's Continued Legal Strategy and Optimism
The episode features a clip from a prior interview with E. Jean Carroll, where she engages in a candid conversation with Michael Popak about the pending appeals. Carroll exudes confidence in the outcomes, reflecting her resilience and unwavering pursuit of justice.
E. Jean Carroll [04:42]: "Well, Michael, what do you think?"
Sidney Blumenthal [04:45]: "Based on the panels... they've rejected him. He's not going to be able to assert immunity... I don't see the United States Supreme Court... being that interested in events that happened when he was Citizen Trump."
Carroll discusses the establishment of a foundation to manage the awarded funds, emphasizing her focus on meaningful ventures over personal financial gain.
E. Jean Carroll [06:00]: "We've got the foundation ready to go. We're just waiting for the money, and then that money is going to be given out."
Legal Analysis and Future Implications
Ben Meiselas and Michael Popak provide a meticulous analysis of the Second Circuit's decisions, clarifying why Trump's appeals were unsuccessful. They discuss the concept of impeachment of presidential immunity, highlighting that the court found Trump had waived any such immunity.
Michael Popak [06:20]: "We're going to have two conclusive final judgments by the jury. 83 and a half running with interest for two years and 5.5 million, close to 100 million in total."
The discussion extends to the potential for the United States Supreme Court to hear the case. The hosts express skepticism about the Supreme Court taking up a civil matter rooted in actions predating Trump's presidency, suggesting that even a MAGA-majority court might find limited grounds to overturn the appellate decisions.
Michael Popak [07:00]: "They could, they could also not take it up. It won't be in an emergency application this summer. It'll be something that we'll have to be addressing and looking at carefully in the first term reopens for the Supreme..."
Personal Reflections and Audience Engagement
Throughout the episode, the hosts interweave personal anecdotes and reflections, showcasing their admiration for E. Jean Carroll's tenacity and character. Michael Popak shares his personal respect for Carroll, calling her "a delight to interview" and praising her "strength of character."
Michael Popak [07:30]: "She is so amazing. What a raconteur. So intelligent, so much intestinal fortitude, strength of character all wrapped up into one supremely interesting person."
The episode concludes with an encouragement for listeners to engage further through the Legal AF substack, offering access to detailed court filings, daily legal rundowns, and ad-free podcast versions.
Notable Quotes
- Michael Popak [02:58]: "E. Jean Carroll just can't stop winning and beating Donald Trump."
- E. Jean Carroll [04:42]: "Well, Michael, what do you think?"
- Sidney Blumenthal [04:45]: "He's not going to be able to assert immunity..."
- E. Jean Carroll [06:00]: "I'm 81. I know money doesn't make me happy."
- Michael Popak [07:30]: "She is so amazing. What a raconteur."
Conclusion
This episode of Legal AF by MeidasTouch offers an insightful and detailed examination of E. Jean Carroll's ongoing legal battles against Donald Trump. By dissecting recent court rulings, exploring the legal strategies employed, and highlighting Carroll's unwavering resolve, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the case's significance in the current legal and political landscape. Whether you're a regular follower of Legal AF or new to the podcast, this episode serves as a compelling resource on the interplay between law, justice, and politics in one of the most high-profile legal battles of recent times.
For more in-depth analysis and access to exclusive content, subscribe to the Legal AF substack.