Trump DOJ moves to stay civil suit from Truth Social co-founders, citing immunity

The Trump Department of Justice last week weighed in on a civil suit against President Donald Trump from the co-founders of Truth Social, arguing that the case ought to be stayed during his term in office.

Trump faces a civil suit from former "The Apprentice" contestants Andy Litinsky and Wes Moss, both of whom helped to found the Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). The pair have alleged that Trump worked to dilute their stake in the firm and sideline them from the IPO.

"This is a private civil suit for damages against the President of the United States, brought in State court, for alleged non-official conduct that occurred before his present term in office," the DOJ wrote. "The President has moved to dismiss without prejudice, or for a temporary stay of proceedings, on the grounds that he is temporarily immune during his term as Chief Executive."

The Department of Justice cited the litany of Supreme Court precedent, including the recent case outlining the scope of presidential immunity, in making the case for a temporary stay "during the President’s term."

Truth Social merged with Digital World Acquisition Corp. in 2024, enabling its appearance on the stock market.