ABC News Settles Trump Defamation Lawsuit

The settlement, which includes a public apology and donation to Trump's presidential library, raises concerns about press freedom and media precedent.

ABC News agreed to pay $15 million and issue a public apology to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump over remarks made by anchor George Stephanopoulos.
The lawsuit stemmed from Stephanopoulos's on-air claim that Trump was 'liable for rape,' which a jury ruled was inaccurate under New York's narrow legal definition of the term.
Legal experts noted ABC News likely had a strong defense but opted to settle due to concerns about potential jury bias in Florida and risks to First Amendment protections if the case escalated to the Supreme Court.
The settlement has sparked internal backlash within ABC News, with staff expressing frustration over the perceived prioritization of corporate interests over journalistic integrity.
Media analysts warn the settlement could embolden Trump to pursue further legal actions against news organizations, setting a concerning precedent for press freedom.