The lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against ABC has been one of the most high-profile legal battles involving the former president and a major news network. This case centers on allegations of defamation stemming from on-air comments made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos during a 2024 interview, which Trump claimed falsely damaged his reputation. The legal conflict has significant implications for media accountability, political discourse, and defamation law.
Trump Lawsuit Against ABC: Detailed Overview of Defamation Claims and Settlement
Donald Trump filed the defamation lawsuit in early 2024 following an ABC News program where George Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that a jury had found Trump liable for rape—a characterization disputed by Trump and his legal team. The underlying civil case involved E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s; Trump denied the allegations.
Trump’s lawsuit accused ABC News and Stephanopoulos of making false, malicious statements designed to harm his reputation. The suit argued these statements were misleading because, while the jury found Trump liable for battery and defamation, it did not make a specific finding of rape under New York law.
After months of litigation, in December 2024, ABC News agreed to settle the lawsuit by paying $15 million to a “presidential foundation and museum” to be established by Trump, alongside a payment of $1 million toward Trump’s legal fees. ABC News also issued a formal statement expressing regret for the comments made during the interview.
The settlement allowed Trump to avoid testifying under oath and concluded the contentious legal dispute. It also included the addition of an editor’s note to the original online article clarifying the nature of the statements and reflecting the network’s regret.
Public and Legal Context
This lawsuit is part of a broader set of defamation claims that Trump has pursued against multiple media organizations, including CBS, CNN, and others, reflecting his ongoing battles over public portrayals and political narratives.
The case highlights the delicate balance courts must strike between protecting free speech and holding media accountable for potentially defamatory statements, especially involving public figures.
Recent Developments and Related Media Conflicts
In 2025, Trump has continued to publicly criticize ABC and other major networks, alleging biased coverage and calling for regulatory actions including license revocations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These claims have sparked debates over media impartiality and political influence.
Conclusion
The trump lawsuit against ABC underscores the complexities of defamation law in the era of televised political commentary and social media amplification. The confidential settlement resolved the specific legal claims but the broader conversation about media responsibility and political rhetoric remains highly relevant in American discourse.
This case serves as a significant reference for future defamation claims involving public figures and major broadcast networks.
