Comment on Why the ABC News Settlement With Trump Is Complicated

ABC News agreed last night to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million to the president-elect’s future foundation and an additional $1 million to cover his legal fees. Even more striking, the settlement includes a public statement of regret from the network and anchor George Stephanopoulos—a clear reversal after months of defiant posturing. .memberful-global-teaser-content p:last-child{ -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, #000 0%, transparent); mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, #000 0%, transparent); } Join now to continue reading. Members get exclusive analysis, bonus features and no advertising.

“Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Defense Department, told Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina that he planned to release the woman who accused him of sexual assault from a confidential settlement agreement,” the New York Times reports.

New York Times: “The small flurry of threatened defamation lawsuits is the latest sign that the incoming Trump administration appears poised to do what it can to crack down on unfavorable media coverage. Before and after the election, Mr. Trump and his allies have discussed subpoenaing news organizations, prosecuting journalists and their sources, revoking networks’ broadcast licenses and eliminating funding for public radio and television.” “Actual or threatened libel lawsuits are another weapon at their disposal — and they are being deployed even before Mr.

Wall Street Journal: “In the weeks since the election… Trump and his incoming advisers have alluded to a mass removal effort of immigrants with a criminal record, a far narrower set of people than the 15 million to 20 million Trump pledged to deport earlier in the year.” “Trump’s hard-line immigration backers say they have noticed a retrenchment.

Wall Street Journal: “Trump’s tariff threats have triggered a behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign to soften or alter the president-elect’s plans. But the effort faces a potentially insurmountable roadblock: Trump isn’t budging.” “So far, executives are facing setbacks as they canvass Trump’s aides for advice on how to influence the president-elect’s next steps.

Washington Post: “Trump directed the conversation to the role pharmacy benefit managers play in the costs of prescription drugs — a major sore point for drug manufacturers who have launched a lobbying crusade accusing the middlemen of driving up prices…” “The aftermath of the dinner, which ended by all accounts with surprising warmth on all sides, has become the stuff of mini-legend in the week that has followed.”