ABC News is facing growing criticism after reaching a $15-million settlement with former President Donald Trump to resolve a defamation lawsuit. The settlement, which includes a public apology and a sizable financial contribution to Trump’s presidential library fund, has ignited bipartisan outrage, raising broader questions about the influence of its parent company, Disney.
The case revolves around comments made by This Week anchor George Stephanopoulos, who incorrectly stated during a March broadcast that Trump had been “found liable for rape” in connection to writer E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuits. While Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation, New York law’s definition of rape did not apply to the jury’s decision—a distinction that served as the basis for Trump’s lawsuit.
The Settlement and Its Terms
Announced on Saturday, the settlement includes a $15-million donation to Trump’s presidential library, framed as a “charitable contribution,” alongside $1 million in legal fees for Trump’s attorneys. ABC News also issued a public apology for its erroneous reporting.
Legal analysts were surprised by the network’s decision to settle before depositions for both Trump and Stephanopoulos were set to begin, questioning whether the agreement signals a retreat from journalistic rigor in favor of corporate expediency.
“This kind of settlement is highly unusual, particularly given the lack of deposition testimony from either party,” said Mark Henson, a media law professor at Columbia University. “It raises concerns about the network’s commitment to defending its reporting against powerful litigants.”
Political and Public Outcry
The settlement has drawn fierce reactions from both sides of the political aisle.
Conservatives criticized ABC News for its role in perpetuating what they view as false narratives. The account Republicans Against Trump called the settlement “a reminder that legacy media continues to undermine credibility.”
Meanwhile, Democrats accused ABC News of capitulating to Trump. Democratic attorney Marc Elias commented, “Another major news outlet bows to power instead of defending its principles.”
Oliver Willis, a progressive journalist, remarked, “This is actually how democracy erodes. Settling a case like this without a fight sends the wrong message about the media’s role in holding power accountable.”
Disney’s Role Under the Microscope
The controversy is further complicated by ABC News’ ownership under the Walt Disney Company, a media juggernaut with its own set of political and cultural entanglements.
Disney, which has been embroiled in public disputes with Republican leaders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, now finds itself indirectly involved in financially resolving a legal battle with Trump—a figure it has clashed with ideologically on several fronts.
“This settlement isn’t just about ABC News,” said media strategist Jennifer Cole. “It’s about Disney, a company often portrayed as a bastion of liberal values, funneling money into Trump’s ecosystem. It’s a narrative that’s sure to raise eyebrows.”
Critics worry that Disney’s corporate priorities may have influenced ABC’s decision to avoid further legal battles. “When a network operates within a massive entertainment conglomerate, there’s always the risk that business considerations will override editorial integrity,” said David Park, a senior analyst at a media ethics nonprofit.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The decision to settle the case before court-ordered depositions has baffled many legal experts.
“I’ve been involved in numerous high-profile defamation cases, and it’s rare for a news organization to back down so quickly,” said former prosecutor Joyce Vance. “This sets a troubling precedent.”
Legal analyst Allison Gill echoed this sentiment, noting that ABC News likely could have prevailed in court. “Why not depose him? Why not fight? This decision reflects poorly on their confidence in their own reporting.”
The case also underscores ongoing concerns about the broader challenges faced by legacy media. “With this settlement, ABC News has signaled a willingness to compromise its credibility,” said Qasim Rashid, a human rights attorney. “It’s a dangerous moment for journalism.”
Background on the E. Jean Carroll Case
Trump’s lawsuit against ABC News stems from his legal battles with E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of sexual assault in a department store in the 1990s. In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, ordering him to pay $5 million. A subsequent ruling increased his financial penalty to $83.3 million for additional defamatory remarks about Carroll.
While Trump denies all allegations and is appealing both verdicts, the distinction between the jury’s findings and Stephanopoulos’ statements provided Trump with a legal foothold. Federal Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who oversaw Carroll’s case, clarified that Trump was not found liable for rape under the narrow definition of New York law but emphasized that the jury’s findings still aligned with broader interpretations of the term.
Broader Implications for Journalism
The settlement highlights the increasing pressures faced by mainstream media outlets, particularly those under corporate ownership. In a climate where public trust in journalism is already fragile, decisions like these risk further eroding credibility.
“This case is about more than just a legal resolution,” said Henson. “It’s about the role of the press in a democratic society and the willingness—or lack thereof—of media organizations to stand up to powerful figures.”
As ABC News and Disney face continued backlash, the fallout from the settlement is far from over. For critics on both sides of the aisle, the case represents a cautionary tale about the intersection of media, politics, and corporate interests in an increasingly polarized world.
What a crybaby, he should have more important things on his mind than retribution of the media. It didn’t turn out well for the last leader that did that . In case you forgot he lived in GERMANY