The question arises: Does Chief Justice Roberts have jurisdiction over matters in the U.K.? This inquiry seems particularly relevant to the current sitting president, who appears to believe that the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential misconduct applies globally, thus raising significant legal and diplomatic implications.
Just a year prior, Judge Karen Steyn dismissed President Trump’s libel lawsuit against former MI6 agent Chris Steele and his firm, Orbis Business Intelligence, related to the controversial “Pee Dossier.” This case highlights the complexities surrounding cross-border legal disputes and the ramifications they may entail for individuals in positions of power.
In her ruling, Judge Steyn noted, “The Claimant is seeking court findings to vindicate his reputation in circumstances where he has not been able to formulate any viable remedy which he would have a real prospect of obtaining, or which would itself be of any utility; and having chosen to allow many years to elapse – without any attempt to vindicate his reputation in this jurisdiction – since he was first made aware of the Dossier (including the Memoranda) on 6 January 2017, and since he first knew the identity of the author on 11 January 2017.” This statement underscores the challenges of seeking justice in international legal contexts where jurisdiction and timelines are often contentious.
Furthermore, due to the U.K.’s “loser pays” rule in litigation, she ultimately concluded that the defendant, Steele, should receive summary judgment regarding his claim for damages and compliance, thereby leaving Trump liable for £290,000 in legal fees to both Steele and Orbis. This outcome raises questions regarding the financial responsibilities of public figures in international legal disputes.
Unsurprisingly, Trump has resisted fulfilling this financial obligation. However, he provided a somewhat unexpected rationale for his refusal to pay. According to reports from The Guardian, Orbis’s attorney Mark Friston informed the court that Trump was invoking “sovereign immunity,” arguing that any efforts to collect the owed amount would be “completely hopeless.”
This assertion would be considered highly unusual in an American court—despite the current Supreme Court’s composition. A sitting president is still subject to civil lawsuits and can be held accountable for judgments made before his re-election. (E. Jean Carroll’s case serves as a prime example of this legal principle.) Trump’s claim of sovereign immunity seems to reflect a belief in his own superiority, suggesting he perceives himself as untouchable by foreign legal authorities.
This stance has undoubtedly put his legal team in a challenging position. “It’s difficult to get instructions when your client is president of the free world and trying to turn everything upside down,” attorney Jacqueline Perry expressed to Judge Jason Rowley. She indicated that this case is not a priority for her client, which complicates their legal strategy significantly.
Perry contended that her client is “an innocent party in this,” misled by previous legal counsel who mishandled the situation significantly. She urged the court to delay enforcement of the judgment until a malpractice claim could be resolved, after which Trump would be ready to negotiate regarding Orbis’s fee.
Unfortunately for Trump, the court did not grant this request.
Judge Rowley made it clear to Perry that if her client fails to pay the £290,000 immediately, he would waive his right to contest the fees altogether. This decision emphasizes the serious consequences of failing to comply with court orders, especially in high-profile cases involving public figures.
No doubt, Chief Justice Roberts and his fellow conservatives are preparing to respond to this legal predicament, possibly seeking to assert their influence over international legal matters.
Trump has refused to pay £290,000 in legal fees after the case was dismissed in the U.K., according to reports from [The Guardian].
Liz Dye resides in Baltimore, where she produces the Law and Chaos substack and podcast.
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