Staff Reports
The media’s panic when it comes to Donald Trump is reaching new heights that are almost comical. It’s not merely the fear stemming from the usual political rhetoric about the “end of democracy” being bandied about by politicians like Kamala Harris. No, it’s much more personal. Notably, George Stephanopoulos just had to settle a defamation suit with Trump, sending shockwaves through the rest of the media landscape. A simple solution to alleviate that fear exists: stop spreading defamatory nonsense.
Caroline Hendrie, executive director of the Society of Professional Journalists, took it upon herself to proclaim that it’s unacceptable for powerful elected officials to challenge journalists with legal action. Apparently, the notion of holding people accountable for their reckless reporting must be terrifying to a bunch who have been accustomed to throwing around baseless accusations without fear of repercussions. The fear of costly settlements making headlines is reportedly giving journalists palpitations. But perhaps if they got their facts straight before hitting “publish,” they might avoid some of that fear.
“Got His Greek Ass GRILLED!" – ABC & Stephanopoulos FORCED To Apologize To Trump After $15M Payout@patrickbetdavid @TomEllsworth @VincentOshana @sostalksmoney pic.twitter.com/YT0uBqfTI9
— PBD Podcast (@PBDsPodcast) December 17, 2024
One need look no further than the disastrous interview Stephanopoulos conducted with Representative Nancy Mace, a survivor of sexual assault. During that infamous exchange, Stephanopoulos shamelessly attacked Mace for supporting Trump, all while mocking her painful experiences. It would have been shocking if it weren’t borderline predictable from a supposed news anchor.
Instead of stopping there, Stephanopoulos jumped into the realm of misinformation, claiming that two juries had found Trump liable for rape and defaming the victim. This is patently untrue. In the E. Jean Carroll case, the jury actually rejected the rape claim outright while concluding that Trump was liable for a lesser degree of sexual abuse. Despite her celebration post-verdict, Trump’s legal team was relieved he was not branded as a rapist. Notably, Mace made it clear during the interview that Trump has never been convicted of rape in any court. Isn’t it ironic that Stephanopoulos was asserting something that no jury concluded while simultaneously berating her because of her background?
The fallout from the Carroll case didn’t stop with Stephanopoulos, as it appears the media is resorting to an embarrassing display of camaraderie and partying over the verdict. After E. Jean Carroll celebrated her supposed “victory” with the media elite in New York City, it sparked questions about what passes as news in today’s media world. It’s almost a gala affair for narratives that vilify Trump, while reporters scramble to maintain a foothold with the politician they once sought to destroy.
The irony is thick, as recent reports suggest that morale at ABC has taken a nosedive following the settlement, with Stephanopoulos left feeling humiliated. Meanwhile, Debra O’Connell from ABC even made the trek to Mar-a-Lago to curry favor with Trump. The media’s attitude has flipped from fierce opposition to a desperate desire for reconciliatory meetings with Trump, essentially acknowledging the former president could be their lifeline in the coming years.
The irony isn’t lost on anyone. The Democrats thought their lawsuits would be their secret weapon against Trump, but instead, they ended up elevating him while leaving his opponents in the dust. The press, once so full of bravado, is now left scrambling to tailor their narratives in light of their own failures. The defamation settlement serves as a symbolic shift, with Stephanopoulos unwittingly becoming the face of this media pivot. It’s an entertaining spectacle, and the irony is nothing short of deliciously fitting for journalists who thought they were untouchable.
