ABC News agrees to $16m settlement with Donald Trump in defamation lawsuit

In a major legal development, ABC News has settled a high-stakes defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump, agreeing to a $16 million payout. The settlement resolves a contentious dispute stemming from remarks made by anchor George Stephanopoulos during a March 2024 broadcast of This Week. Trump’s legal team argued that Stephanopoulos defamed the president-elect by misrepresenting the outcome of a civil trial involving allegations of sexual abuse.

Under the settlement terms, $15 million will be allocated to establish a presidential foundation and museum linked to Trump, following the tradition of previous U.S. presidents. An additional $1 million will cover Trump’s legal expenses, marking one of the largest public settlements between a media organization and a political figure in recent years.

What Prompted the Defamation Lawsuit?

The lawsuit was initiated in response to comments made by George Stephanopoulos during an interview with Representative Nancy Mace on March 10, 2024. During the interview, Stephanopoulos stated that Trump had been “found liable for rape” in a case involving writer E. Jean Carroll. However, a Manhattan jury had concluded in May 2023 that Trump was liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a department store in 1996 but did not find him liable for her alleged rape.

Trump’s lawyers alleged that Stephanopoulos had knowingly or recklessly disseminated false and damaging information about the president-elect, causing reputational harm. The lawsuit accused ABC News and Stephanopoulos of defamation, seeking both financial compensation and a public apology.

Terms of the Settlement

As part of the agreement, ABC News will release a public statement acknowledging the error and express regret for the mischaracterization. An editor’s note will also be added to the online version of the March 2024 article, stating:

“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Representative Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024.”

An ABC News spokesperson emphasized that the network was pleased to have reached an amicable resolution, adding that the settlement terms reflected a mutual desire to move forward.

Broader Implications for Media Accountability

The settlement underscores the critical importance of accuracy in journalism, particularly when covering legal matters involving public figures. Experts have noted that the case highlights the potential consequences for media organizations that fail to ensure factual precision in their reporting.

Media analyst Susan Timmons commented that the settlement represents a growing trend of legal pushback against media organizations accused of defamation. She noted that high-profile individuals are increasingly willing to challenge media narratives they view as unfair or misleading.

“This case is a stark reminder of the responsibility journalists bear in ensuring their reports are not only accurate but also contextual,” Timmons explained. “For major networks like ABC News, the reputational and financial risks of errors can be enormous.”

Legal Context: Trump’s Civil Case With E. Jean Carroll

The remarks at the center of the defamation case were tied to a civil trial in 2023, where a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll and defaming her through public statements. Trump denied all allegations and continues to challenge the outcome of the case.

The jury’s decision ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million in damages. However, the legal distinction between the jury’s finding of sexual abuse and the absence of a rape liability formed the basis of Trump’s argument against ABC News. His legal team argued that Stephanopoulos’s comments misrepresented the jury’s findings, leading to significant reputational harm.

Impact on Trump’s Legacy and the Media

For Trump, the $16 million settlement represents not only a legal victory but also an opportunity to solidify his legacy. The funds directed toward establishing a presidential foundation and museum align with Trump’s efforts to shape his post-presidency narrative.

From the media’s perspective, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of inaccurate reporting. As the settlement becomes a reference point in discussions about media accountability, it may prompt news organizations to review their editorial processes to avoid similar pitfalls.

The resolution of this defamation lawsuit marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle between public figures and the media. By agreeing to a $16 million settlement and issuing a public apology, ABC News acknowledges the importance of accountability in journalism. For Trump, the settlement underscores his willingness to challenge perceived injustices in the media, further cementing his combative relationship with the press.

As the dust settles, this case leaves an enduring message for both journalists and public figures: accuracy and accountability remain paramount in shaping public discourse.