In a significant development within the legal team representing former President Donald Trump, lawyer Jim Trusty has announced his withdrawal from the defamation lawsuit against CNN. This move comes as the latest indication of the dissolution of the Trump legal team, following Trusty and another attorney’s decision to cease representing the former president in the criminal case involving documents.
In a court filing seeking permission to withdraw, Trusty cited “irreconcilable differences” between himself and the plaintiff as the reason behind his departure. He stated that he can no longer effectively and adequately represent Donald Trump due to these divergences.
Together with attorney John Rowley, Trusty had previously made the announcement that they would not represent Trump in the charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith. These charges pertain to Trump’s alleged retention of sensitive government documents from his presidency and his purported obstruction of the federal investigation related to the handling of those materials. The attorneys communicated their decision last Friday, shortly after Trump was informed of the indictment. Subsequently, Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges on the following Tuesday.
The defamation lawsuit against CNN, seeking a substantial $475 million in damages, accuses the network of engaging in a “campaign of dissuasion” through acts of libel and slander, which have allegedly intensified in recent months. In response, CNN has filed a motion requesting the court to dismiss the case “with prejudice,” aiming to bring a definitive end to the litigation.
However, it is important to note that Trusty’s withdrawal from the defamation lawsuit does not signify its conclusion. Donald Trump continues to be represented by legal counsel based in Florida for this ongoing civil case. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of the lawsuit against CNN remains to be seen.
