ByCan the President Sue for Libel?
As a public figure, the president can be the subject of many different stories and conversations in the media and among people. But, if these stories are defamatory, the president may want to take action and have these defamatory statements retracted. In this article, you can learn more about what a president can do if they are a victim of defamation, what defamation is, and the process of fighting defamation. You can also learn how can help anyone take action against defamation easily.
What Is Libel?
Whether you are the president or a U.S. citizen, you can be the subject of defamation and find yourself needing to sue for libel. But before taking any legal action, it is important to know what exactly defamation is, and the difference between slander and libel.
Defamation is when false statements are presented as true, resulting in damage to the victim’s character. Defamatory statements can be considered libel or slander, depending on how the statements were made. The table below can help you learn the difference between the two.
| Libel | Slander |
| Defamatory statements that were written and/or published | Defamatory statements that were spoken orally |
| Examples: Defamation in newspapers, online writings, and emails | Example: Defamation spoken in conversations |
Find out more about what a person can do in the face of defamation, whether libel or slander, below.
What Does the President Have to Do to Sue for Libel?
While the president is more likely to be defamed as a public figure, the president has to prove more than the average citizen in a defamation lawsuit. Those who are not public figures must show that they meet the qualifications for defamation according to their state’s laws. Usually, this involves proving that statements made about you were false and that these statements caused you damages. However, public figures like the president need to do more than this thanks to a Supreme Court ruling in 1964. To file a defamation lawsuit, public figures must prove:
- That defamatory statements made were false
- That these statements were made with “actual malice”
In this situation, “actual malice” means that whoever made defamatory statements knew that they were false before saying or writing them, or that they made these statements without regard to whether they were true or false. Because of this Supreme Court ruling, public figures like the president must go beyond regular state defamation laws and prove “actual malice” to win their defamation lawsuits.
What to Do If You Have Been a Victim of Defamation
Both public figures like the president and everyday citizens have many different options to fight against defamation. While public figures may have to prove more than the average person in a defamation lawsuit, the methods of resolving defamation issues are still similar. If you are facing defamatory statements made against you, you can:
- Write a cease and desist letter
- Consult a lawyer
- File a defamation lawsuit
While all of these options are available in cases of defamation, they are not all equally accessible or affordable. If you are not a president, you may not want to face the expensive legal fees that come with hiring a lawyer. This does not mean you can’t still fight against defamation! Keep reading to discover how you can draft a cease and desist letter easily with to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Should You Write a Defamation Cease and Desist Letter?
If you have been a victim of defamation and want to take action, a cease and desist letter can be a good first step to stop defamatory remarks. To write a cease and desist letter, you do not need to hire a lawyer. However, this does not mean that writing this letter on your own is advisable. It is essential that you include all of the necessary details and evidence of your defamation case in your letter to set yourself up for success, particularly if you need to take further legal action in the future. Luckily, can help you draft a cease and desist letter that complies with your state’s defamation laws without hiring an expensive lawyer.
How DoNotPay Can Help You Draft a Defamation Cease and Desist Letter
If you plan to take action against defamation with a cease and desist letter, you want to set yourself up for success! To do this, you need to include all of the evidence supporting your case in your cease and desist letter according to what your state’s defamation legislation requires. You don't need to waste money on a lawyer! can help you write a cease and desist letter in minutes to start your fight against defamatory statements. All you need to do is:
1. Search for the Defamation Demand Letters product on .
2. Tell us about your situation, including if defamatory statements were libel or slander, what the statements were, why they were false, and the damages you have suffered as a result.
3. Based on your location, DoNotPay will generate a letter on your behalf using the relevant state defamation legislation.
Then you’re done! You will have a drafted cease and desist letter to send.
More Information About Defamation from DoNotPay
- Libel vs Slander
- Cease and Desist Order
- Defamation of Character Lawsuit
- Cease and Desist Letter
- Online Defamation
- What Can I Do If Someone is Slandering Me
- What Does Slander Mean in Law
- What Does Libel Mean in Law
- Federal Defamation Law
- Defamation of Character in the Workplace