Trump Targets Social Media Influencers in New Defamation Battle

Man speaking with gestures, woman and men in background.

Donald Trump secures $15 million settlement from ABC News in defamation lawsuit, setting sights on social media influencers next.

At a Glance

ABC News agrees to pay $15 million to settle Trump’s defamation lawsuit.
Lawsuit stemmed from false statements about Trump.
Settlement includes $1 million for Trump’s legal fees and a charitable contribution.
Trump expands legal campaign to target social media influencers for alleged defamation.
Move raises questions about media laws and freedom of expression in the digital age.

ABC News Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Trump

In a significant legal victory, former President Donald Trump has secured a $15 million settlement from ABC News in a defamation lawsuit. The case, which centered on statements made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, accused the network of falsely claiming that Trump had been “found liable for rape.” This settlement marks a turning point in Trump’s ongoing legal battles against media outlets and sets the stage for an expanded campaign targeting social media influencers.

The lawsuit, filed by Trump against ABC News and Stephanopoulos, alleged that the anchor made false statements during an interview on March 10, 2024. Trump’s legal team argued that these statements were made “with actual malice or with a reckless disregard for the truth.” The settlement agreement, signed by both Trump and Stephanopoulos, requires ABC News to pay $15 million to resolve the dispute.

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million toward Donald Trump's presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuithttps://t.co/SzkgfdnWqW

— TIME (@TIME) December 15, 2024

Details of the Settlement

As part of the settlement, ABC News has agreed to several conditions. The network will pay $1 million to cover Trump’s legal fees and make a charitable contribution to a Presidential foundation and museum to be established by Trump. Additionally, ABC News must publish an editor’s note expressing regret for the statements made during the interview.

The settlement comes after a judge had ordered depositions for both Trump and Stephanopoulos prior to the agreement. It’s worth noting that in May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in a separate case brought by E. Jean Carroll, but not for rape. This distinction played a crucial role in Trump’s lawsuit against ABC News.

Expanding Legal Campaign to Social Media Influencers

With this settlement under his belt, Trump is now setting his sights on a new frontier in his legal battles: social media influencers. This expansion of his defamation claims highlights the evolving nature of media influence and accountability in the digital age. By targeting individuals with significant online followings, Trump is challenging the traditional boundaries of media law and freedom of expression.

This shift in strategy raises important questions about the responsibilities of social media personalities and the potential legal consequences they may face for their online content. As the line between traditional media and digital platforms continues to blur, Trump’s legal campaign could have far-reaching implications for how defamation laws are applied in the digital realm.

Implications for Media Law and Freedom of Expression

Trump’s successful settlement with ABC News and his expanded focus on social media influencers signal a potential shift in the landscape of media law and freedom of expression. As public figures increasingly turn to legal action to challenge perceived defamation, it may lead to a reevaluation of the balance between protecting individual reputations and preserving free speech.

The outcome of these legal battles could have significant consequences for how information is shared and discussed in the public sphere, particularly on digital platforms. As the legal system grapples with these evolving challenges, it will be crucial to find a balance that protects individuals from false and damaging statements while preserving the open exchange of ideas that is fundamental to a democratic society.