• ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have agreed to a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a defamation lawsuit, including $15 million for a Presidential foundation and museum Trump plans to establish.
  • The lawsuit was triggered by inaccurate statements made on ABC's "This Week," which falsely claimed Trump had been "found liable for rape," leading to public controversy and legal action.
  • The settlement avoids extended depositions ordered by a judge, highlighting the complexities and high stakes of legal battles involving prominent figures.

In a significant legal agreement, ABC News and its prominent anchor, George Stephanopoulos, have decided to pay President-elect Donald Trump $16 million to resolve a defamation lawsuit. This settlement was officially submitted this past Saturday, highlighting a move to avoid the depositions scheduled for just before the holiday season.

Settlement Details and Financial Breakdown

The bulk of the settlement includes a $15 million contribution towards a Presidential foundation and museum that Trump plans to establish, following the tradition of former U.S. Presidents. An additional $1 million will cover Trump's legal expenses.

Public Regret and Origins of the Lawsuit

As part of the resolution, both ABC News and Stephanopoulos are set to publicly express their regret over statements made during an interview in March with Representative Nancy Mace on ABC's "This Week." These statements led Trump to initiate the federal lawsuit against them earlier in the year. Specifically, they inaccurately claimed multiple times that Trump had been "found liable for rape," sparking considerable controversy and legal action.

Legal Context and Implications

The lawsuit stems from an incident where a Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse against E. Jean Carroll in 1996 and for defaming her in his subsequent denials of her accusations. Despite this separate case, Trump pursued further legal action against ABC and Stephanopoulos for their remarks.

This settlement comes after Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid mandated that Trump and Stephanopoulos participate in extended depositions shortly before Christmas, pushing both parties towards this substantial agreement.

The situation underscores the complexities of high-profile legal battles and the significant consequences they can entail for all involved.

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