For decades, ABC News has stood as one of the most respected and widely followed news outlets in the country. Millions of Americans tune in daily to programs like Good Morning America, 20/20, The View, World News Tonight with David Muir, Nightline, and more. Viewers have come to rely on trusted anchors such as Robin Roberts, David Muir, Michael Strahan, and George Stephanopoulos.
Unfortunately, one of these familiar faces has recently found themselves at the center of a media firestorm, caught up in a major lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump.
Related: ABC Star Defends Actions Amid National Anthem Backlash
The lawsuit stemmed from an interview longtime anchor George Stephanopoulos conducted with Congresswoman Nancy Mace in March 2024, during which he incorrectly asserted multiple times that Trump had been found “liable for rape” in a civil case involving writer E. Jean Carroll. The jury had, in fact, ruled that Trump was liable for sexual abuse, a distinction that has significant legal implications.
Those comments led Donald Trump to file a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the company for defamation.
Related: Donald Trump’s Newest Appointment Could Spell Disaster For Disney
Disney CEO Bob Iger decided to settle with the former President, a move that has raised eyebrows across the journalistic landscape. Disney, ABC’s parent company, agreed to a staggering $15 million payout to a Trump-affiliated presidential foundation, coupled with an additional $1 million to cover legal fees.
Alongside the financial terms, ABC and Stephanopoulos were required to issue apologies, fueling widespread criticism regarding the perceived capitulation to Trump. This decision, which some insiders claimed caught Stephanopoulos off guard, prompted a mixed reaction internally within ABC. Many journalists expressed dismay, feeling that the settlement marked a troubling precedent for the network’s editorial independence.
Despite the controversy surrounding the lawsuit and settlement, ABC News has reaffirmed its commitment to George Stephanopoulos by signing him to a new multi-year contract. While specific details regarding the value of the contract remain undisclosed, reports suggest that Stephanopoulos has been earning between $18 million to $20 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid anchors in the field.
The signing of his contract immediately after the settlement raised speculations concerning the implications of both the settlement and his continued presence on Good Morning America.
As ABC News grapples with declining ratings, particularly in comparison to competitors like NBC’s Today, keeping Stephanopoulos aboard may serve as a stabilizing factor for the show.
However, it also raises questions about the network’s approach to future political coverage, especially given the network’s fraught relationship with Trump, whose administration has historically challenged the media.
Ultimately, Disney may have opted for this settlement as a strategic business decision, hoping to mitigate further reputational harm and financial exposure connected to ongoing litigation. With a notable need to ensure favorable access to future interviews and events featuring Trump and his administration, ABC appears keen to avoid the contentious legal battles that could taint its programming.
Are you happy to hear that George Stephanopoulos will be continuing as a news anchor at ABC? Or is keeping him on too risky for the network?
