ABC News Settles with Trump for $15 Million in Defamation Lawsuit

ABC News Agrees to $15 Million Settlement with Trump

ABC News has reached a significant settlement with President Donald J. Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million to resolve a defamation lawsuit stemming from comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos during a March 2024 interview. The settlement, which also includes an apology from the network, marks a notable victory for Trump in his ongoing battles with media outlets. This agreement was detailed by Megyn Kelly on her YouTube show, where she discussed the implications of the settlement alongside guests Emily Jashinsky, host of 'Undercurrents' on UnHerd, and Eliana Johnson, editor of the Washington Free Beacon.

The lawsuit centered on statements made by Stephanopoulos that Trump alleged were defamatory. While the exact nature of the comments was debated, the consensus among Kelly and her guests was that ABC's decision to settle was driven by the potential embarrassment of having Stephanopoulos deposed under oath. At around the 5:30 mark of the video, Kelly emphasized that this settlement was a 'total victory' for Trump, highlighting the network's reluctance to further expose their anchor to legal scrutiny.

Reasons Behind ABC's Settlement Decision

Diving deeper into the motivations for the settlement, Kelly and her panelists suggested that ABC's move was less about admitting guilt and more about avoiding a damaging legal process. Emily Jashinsky, speaking near the 10:15 point, noted that the network likely feared the public relations fallout from a prolonged court battle, especially given Trump's high profile and the scrutiny his cases attract. Eliana Johnson added at the 12:40 mark that this settlement could set a precedent for how media outlets handle defamation claims, particularly under the current political climate where Trump has shown a willingness to pursue legal action against perceived slights.

Additionally, exclusive comments from Trump's attorney, shared during the show around the 15:20 timestamp, underscored that ABC settled to mitigate further risk. The attorney suggested that the network recognized the strength of Trump's case and opted for a financial resolution over a potentially more costly courtroom defeat. This perspective aligns with the broader narrative that Trump is prepared to hold media accountable through legal means when necessary.

Implications for Media and Future Lawsuits

The discussion on Kelly's show also explored the broader impact of this settlement on corporate media. At approximately the 20:05 mark, Jashinsky pointed out that other outlets might now face increased pressure from similar lawsuits, as Trump's success could embolden further legal challenges against perceived defamatory reporting. Johnson echoed this sentiment around the 22:30 mark, mentioning that some media colleagues at other networks have criticized ABC for 'bending the knee' to Trump, viewing the settlement as a sign of weakness that could invite more litigation.

Kelly herself, near the 25:00 point, speculated that this outcome might encourage Trump to pursue additional lawsuits against media entities that have made questionable claims about him. She stressed that this case serves as a reminder of the power of legal recourse in addressing media bias or inaccuracies, a stance that resonates with those who value accountability in journalism.

Public and Media Reaction to the Settlement

The reaction to ABC's settlement has been mixed, as discussed on the show. Around the 30:10 timestamp, Kelly highlighted posts found on X indicating strong public support for Trump's victory, with many users expressing satisfaction that a major network was held accountable. However, there was also criticism from within the media industry, with some outlets like CNN reportedly backtracking on their initial coverage or questioning the legitimacy of certain related stories, as noted at the 35:45 mark by Johnson.

This settlement not only represents a financial and symbolic win for Trump but also underscores the ongoing tension between media entities and public figures who feel misrepresented. The $15 million contribution to a presidential foundation and museum, as part of the agreement, further ties this legal outcome to Trump's legacy, a point Kelly emphasized near the end of the segment at the 40:20 mark.

In summary, the ABC News settlement with President Trump is a pivotal moment in the intersection of media, law, and politics. It reflects a strategic win for Trump under his administration's broader push for accountability, and as discussed by Kelly, Jashinsky, and Johnson, it may reshape how media outlets approach coverage of influential figures moving forward.