SB 3182, titled the "No Torts for Trump Act," would amend the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) by adding a new exception to the list of claims that cannot be brought against the federal government. Specifically, it would bar any claim brought by the President, as well as any claim brought by a person who becomes President while the claim is still pending. The prohibition would apply regardless of when the underlying conduct occurred.
The bill is narrowly targeted at the President and would operate by changing 28 U.S.C. § 2680, the section that lists exceptions to FTCA liability. As drafted, it would prevent the President from using the FTCA to seek damages for tort claims against the United States, and it would apply retroactively to pending claims and to claims filed on or after enactment. The practical effect would be to remove a potential avenue for presidential plaintiffs to recover against the federal government under this statute.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend federal tort law by adding a new categorical exception to the FTCA, limiting who may sue the United States for tort damages under chapter 171 of title 28. It would specifically exclude claims brought by the sitting President or by someone who becomes President while a claim is pending, and it would apply to pending cases as well as future filings. This would affect the President as a litigant and could require courts to dismiss covered FTCA claims.
Sentiment
There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so formal legislative sentiment cannot be measured from hearings or roll calls. Based on the bill text and title, the measure appears strongly partisan and targeted, with sponsors framing it as a response to President Trump. The absence of committee discussion leaves no evidence of bipartisan support or negotiated compromise in the available record.
Contention
The main point of contention is the bill’s highly specific focus on the President, and especially its apparent targeting of Donald Trump as reflected in the short title. Supporters appear to view the measure as a necessary limitation on presidential access to tort remedies, while critics would likely argue that it is punitive, personal, and creates an unusual carve-out in federal claims law. The retroactive application to pending claims may also raise fairness and due-process concerns, though no committee statements are available here to confirm those objections.