Donald Trump has emerged victorious in a high-profile defamation lawsuit against ABC News and its veteran anchor George Stephanopoulos, securing a settlement of $15 million. The case revolved around erroneous assertions made by Stephanopoulos, who claimed Trump had been civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll—a statement that exceeded the legal findings of the court.
🚨 #BREAKING: ABC agrees to pay President Trump $15 MILLION after defaming him
BIG WIN! 🔥
George Stephanopolous falsely stated that President Trump “r*ped” E Jean Carroll
The settlement comes with an “apology” from ABC News as well:
“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret… pic.twitter.com/KYzQiSPg1Z
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 14, 2024
The settlement, publicly disclosed on Saturday and first reported by Fox News, specifies that ABC News agreed to the payout, which will be directed as a charitable contribution to Trump’s presidential library. This resolution underscores the increasing legal and public scrutiny of media outlets accused of publishing false or defamatory information about the former president.
Flashback: ‘This was not sexual’ E. Jean Carroll’s creepy interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper
Trump’s legal team argued that Stephanopoulos’s comments misrepresented the outcome of the civil trial involving E. Jean Carroll. While a jury did find Trump liable for defamation and battery in the case, they did not rule that he committed rape. The distinction was critical, and Trump maintained that the media’s portrayal of the verdict was intentionally misleading and damaging to his reputation.
For Trump and his supporters, this settlement represents a significant rebuke to a media establishment they have long accused of systemic bias. Many conservatives have argued that mainstream outlets like ABC have sought to undermine Trump with unsubstantiated or exaggerated claims. This case provides further evidence to bolster their assertions, demonstrating that such actions can have tangible financial and reputational consequences for media companies.
ABC News’s decision to settle, rather than face a prolonged legal battle, has been interpreted by some as an implicit acknowledgment of overreach in their reporting. This outcome is likely to embolden Trump, who has frequently expressed disdain for what he describes as “fake news” propagated by left-leaning outlets. The sizable settlement also sends a broader message to other media organizations about the risks of disseminating unverified or misleading information about public figures, particularly during an election season.
The media’s handling of Trump-related stories has long been a point of contention. Critics argue that coverage often skews toward sensationalism and bias, sidelining objectivity in favor of narratives that align with progressive political agendas. This settlement amplifies concerns about journalistic integrity, particularly when reporting involves contentious legal disputes.
For many conservatives, the implications of this settlement extend beyond Trump’s personal vindication. They see it as a broader victory in holding powerful media organizations accountable for narratives that they argue are shaped by ideological bias rather than factual reporting. At a time when public trust in journalism is at a historic low, such legal victories may serve as a deterrent against reckless or agenda-driven reporting.
The settlement provides Trump with both a tangible win and an opportunity to reinforce his narrative about media overreach. The charitable donation to his presidential library also serves as a symbolic gesture, redirecting the funds toward his broader political legacy.
This case highlights the complexities and high stakes of modern media coverage, particularly when dealing with polarizing figures like Trump. While news organizations have a critical role in holding public figures accountable, this responsibility must be balanced with a commitment to accuracy and fairness. Failure to meet these standards, as this case demonstrates, can carry significant legal and financial repercussions.
ABC News and Stephanopoulos have not publicly commented on the settlement, leaving unanswered questions about the internal processes that led to the false claims. For Trump’s supporters, however, the silence speaks volumes, reinforcing their belief that media institutions often act with impunity, only to be reined in through legal channels.
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Dan Veld 
tdlittlepage
I’d love to slap the pompous smile off of Stephanopoulos face, but I don’ think my back would let me bend that far over to reach the half-pint moron’s face. I can’t stand the pos.