In a stunning turn of events, ABC News found itself in the midst of controversy after settling a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump against the network and anchor George Stephanopoulos. The lawsuit stemmed from false claims made during a heated interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), where Stephanopoulos incorrectly stated that Trump had been “found liable for rape” in a civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll. The lawsuit and its subsequent settlement have sparked intense reactions, including a public meltdown from CNN’s Jake Tapper, who seemed more concerned about the larger implications of the settlement than the reality of the false statements.
The interview in question, which took place on March 10, 2024, on ABC’s *This Week*, saw Stephanopoulos make the damaging claim that two juries had found Trump “liable for rape.” In fact, a jury determined Trump was liable for “sexual abuse” — a different legal finding altogether. Despite this distinction, Stephanopoulos repeated the false claim no less than ten times during the interview, a clear violation of journalistic integrity.
Faced with the prospect of a lengthy and costly legal battle, ABC News chose to settle. Under the terms of the agreement, the network will pay a staggering $16 million, which includes $1 million in legal fees and $15 million to a charity of Trump’s choice. Furthermore, ABC News will attach a formal note of regret to the article discussing the comments, acknowledging the false statements made by Stephanopoulos.
While most reasonable individuals would consider this a straightforward legal resolution, CNN’s Jake Tapper had a different take. On December 16, Tapper went into full meltdown mode on air, condemning the settlement and the implications it holds for the media. In a dramatic rant, Tapper declared, “That obviously will not be the end of this campaign against the media.” His frustration was palpable as he seemed to fear that this defamation suit was part of a broader strategy by Trump to “punish” the media and stifle journalistic freedom.
Tapper’s rant escalated as he played footage of Trump discussing his ongoing legal battles with the media, including lawsuits against the *Des Moines Register*, *60 Minutes*, and prominent journalists like Bob Woodward. Trump even made headlines for targeting The New York Times and Washington Post over their reporting on the Russia hoax, arguing that their Pulitzer Prizes should be revoked. Tapper was visibly unnerved, saying, “This is wildly ridiculous,” as he tried to downplay the legal action against the Des Moines Register over an allegedly inaccurate poll.
What Tapper and others in the liberal media fail to acknowledge is that Trump’s legal actions are not about silencing criticism — they are about holding the media accountable for blatant misinformation. After all, false claims made by journalists have consequences, especially when they damage reputations and mislead the public.
For years, the media has had a free pass to smear public figures with little to no repercussions. Trump’s actions, though controversial to some, are a reminder that the days of unchecked media bias may be coming to an end. His lawsuits against media outlets are a calculated move to protect his reputation and, more importantly, to send a message to the press that they can no longer distort the truth without facing consequences.
While Tapper’s tirade may have been a desperate attempt to rally the media’s defense, it only further highlights the disconnect between the establishment press and the American public. More and more, viewers are realizing that the media’s liberal bias has gone too far, and they’re eager for accountability. Trump’s legal victories — including this settlement with ABC — are a win not just for him, but for the many Americans who are tired of seeing the media twist the truth for political gain.
In the end, this settlement is more than just a legal matter — it’s a signal that the era of media immunity is coming to a close. As more lawsuits like this unfold, it’s clear that the press is finally facing the consequences of its bias. And that’s something every American who values truth and fairness should celebrate.
