ABC News Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Trump for $15 Million

In an unexpected legal development, ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald J. Trump, marking a rare victory for the former president in his ongoing battle with the media. The lawsuit stemmed from comments made during a March 2024 interview conducted by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. The case is notable for the significant concession by a major news outlet and stands in contrast to Trump’s previous legal defeats in defamation cases.

The terms of the settlement include ABC News donating the $15 million to Trump’s presidential foundation and museum, as well as paying an additional $1 million for his legal fees. In a statement, ABC News expressed regret over the remarks made by Stephanopoulos regarding Trump’s legal troubles, specifically referencing a civil case in which Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Despite not being found guilty of rape, Trump’s reputation was called into question after the civil case verdict, which ultimately led to the defamation lawsuit.

The resolution of the lawsuit, which was filed in Federal District Court in Miami, stands as a rare victory for Trump, who has faced numerous legal challenges involving national media outlets. In the past, his defamation lawsuits against organizations such as CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post have largely ended in failure, with courts often dismissing the claims or ruling in favor of the news organizations. Legal experts suggest that ABC News could have pursued a defense, citing the high legal standards for public figures to prove defamation. Trump would have needed to show not only that the information was false but that it was published with reckless disregard for its truth.

Media law experts have commented on the growing caution exercised by news outlets when dealing with high-profile public figures in defamation suits. RonNell Andersen Jones, a professor of law at the University of Utah, noted that today’s media landscape is financially less stable and more politically pressured than it was a decade ago. This shift could explain ABC News’ decision to settle the case, as the network weighed the potential costs of continued litigation.

Despite the unusual nature of the settlement, ABC News did not provide specific reasons for its decision to settle. A spokesperson for the network indicated that the agreement was in line with the court’s filing, and Trump’s lawyer declined to comment on the matter. The lawsuit was brought after Stephanopoulos asked Republican Representative Nancy Mace why she continued to support Trump despite his civil legal battles. In the interview, Stephanopoulos referred to Trump’s liability in the sexual abuse case, prompting Trump’s legal action.

Under the terms of the settlement, ABC News will also issue an editor’s note on its online platform, regretting the statements made in the interview. This is part of the broader settlement, aimed at resolving the legal conflict amicably. The settlement comes amid rising tensions between Trump and ABC News, especially in light of the coverage during the 2024 presidential campaign. Trump has criticized the network’s handling of his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris and even questioned the network’s journalistic integrity, citing perceived biases related to the network’s corporate connections.

In May, Stephanopoulos was questioned about the lawsuit during an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The conversation centered around the challenges of being sued by a former president, highlighting the pressures faced by journalists when covering contentious figures like Trump. The outcome of this defamation case is an example of the complexities media organizations face when balancing press freedom with the legal and political ramifications of their reporting.

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