Staff Reports
ABC has decided to cough up a whopping $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump. This move not only puts the network in the spotlight but also showcases just how accurate their reporting is—below even a middle schooler’s report card. The disagreement arose from some inaccurate remarks made by anchor George Stephanopoulos, who took a wrong turn in discussing a civil lawsuit against Trump.
The funds will be securely parked in an escrow account run by Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito. So, what’s the plan for this cash windfall? It’s destined for the construction of Trump’s presidential library, a fitting tribute to his time in office and high-profile tussles with the media. ABC has a mere ten days to get this money transferred, or they might find themselves on the receiving end of Trump’s wrath, which, as history shows, can be more unpredictable than a cat in a dog park.
The total bill for ABC doesn’t stop at just the $15 million; they’ve also agreed to cover Brito’s legal fees, which are a neat $1 million. Someone might want to remind the network that accuracy in journalism doesn’t just build credibility; it can save a fortune in legal fees. Apparently, that lessons seems lost on them, considering the payment will be labeled a “charitable contribution.” It’s ironic how a so-called news organization ends up funding what could be an inspired non-profit for Trump, a real stroke of bad luck for a station that tried to “scoop” their way to credibility.
ABC to pay Trump $15 million legal settlement in defamation suithttps://t.co/KujqWgwtbS pic.twitter.com/xWEinyNkX5
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 15, 2024
The whole debacle began when Stephanopoulos, during an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace, decided he had the facts all figured out—or so he thought. His take on Trump supposedly being “found liable for rape” and “defaming the victim” related to the civil claims from E. Jean Carroll went about as wrong as a liberal’s understanding of fiscal responsibility. It’s the kind of mistake that makes one wonder what the training process at major networks looks like these days. Is it just a quick Google while sipping coffee?
As a cherry on top of this media shaky-saga, ABC has now slapped an editor’s note onto the story. It’s a hasty apology that reads almost like an academic “please excuse my absence” note from school. The note states that both ABC News and Stephanopoulos regret the blunders regarding Trump, which raises a crucial question: will this remorse be the tipping point for them to finally check their facts before hitting the airwaves? One thing’s for certain: Donald Trump’s presidential library is just getting a little more funded, courtesy of the folks at ABC News.
