Trump is currently a private individual in the public eye running for a public office he does not (yet) hold - libel does indeed apply.
Trump is a public figure. That includes celebrities, not only pubic officials. He’s kind of both really.
“Trump is currently a private individual in the public eye running for a public office he does not (yet) hold - libel does indeed apply.”
And since the events occurred prior to his becoming a “public figure,” the fact that he’s president when the suits are filed has no bearing.
Trump is a public figure and will need to show the lies were knowingly false. As those lies were made for politics, he will win any such case by proving same.
Trump is a television celebrity. He's a public figure. It is extremely difficult for public figures to sue for libel.