Ex-President Donald Trump can be held liable for disparaging comments he made about a woman who accused him of rape, the US Department of Justice has said.

The department previously maintained Mr Trump was legally immune as he was president when he made remarks in 2019.

But on Tuesday its lawyers said they no longer had “sufficient basis” to conclude Mr Trump had acted within the scope of his duties.

The decision boosts E Jean Carroll’s defamation lawsuit against Mr Trump.

In May, Mr Trump was ordered to pay the former magazine columnist $5m (£3.9m) after being found liable for sexual abuse of her in 1996 at a New York department store.

Ms Carroll, 79, is currently seeking $10m from Mr Trump in a defamation lawsuit, which is due to go to trial in January.

The legal action cites his remarks as president about her in 2019 while responding to reporters’ questions.

The lawsuit has been updated to reflect further comments he made about her during a CNN town hall the day after the court’s verdict two months ago.