ABC News Agreed Pay $15 Million in Trump Defamation case Settlement

ABC News has settled a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million in damages. The lawsuit arose from remarks made by anchor George Stephanopoulos, who suggested in a March broadcast that Trump was “responsible for rape.” The comments were made during an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace and sparked widespread controversy.

As part of the settlement, ABC News will donate the sum to a fund supporting Trump’s initiative for a Presidential Foundation and Museum. Additionally, both ABC News and Stephanopoulos will issue a formal public apology acknowledging their “regrettable statements.” The network will also pay $1 million in attorney fees.

The agreement comes just weeks after Trump secured a decisive victory in the presidential election, further bolstering his legal momentum. Recent legal successes include dismissals of charges related to classified documents and delays in cases such as the hush money trial, originally scheduled for May 2025.

This resolution closes a chapter in Trump’s ongoing legal battles, underscoring his combative relationship with the media while preparing for his return to the White House.