Donald Trump just scored another massive victory—this time against the entertainment giant Disney and its ABC News network.
In a groundbreaking settlement, ABC News agreed to fork over $15 million and issue a public apology to the president-elect, cementing Trump’s dominance over the so-called “fake news” media.
At the center of the drama was a defamation lawsuit Trump filed against ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. During a March 10 broadcast of This Week, Stephanopoulos falsely claimed that Trump had been “found liable for rape.”
In reality, Trump had been found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in a case involving writer E. Jean Carroll, but not for rape under New York law. Trump’s team pounced, accusing ABC of “actual malice” and launching a legal battle that had the media elite squirming.
On December 14, ABC News caved. The network agreed to a $15 million payout—earmarked for Trump’s presidential library—and issued a public apology. The timing couldn’t have been better for Trump, coming just weeks after his stunning electoral comeback.
Legal experts were shocked by the settlement. “Trump’s case was weak on the merits, but ABC likely folded to avoid the wrath of a returning president,” said Nicholas Creel, a business law professor. “This isn’t just a legal win; it’s a political masterstroke.”
The fallout has been seismic. For Trump’s supporters, the settlement is a triumph over a biased media empire. Ken Sterling, a prominent media attorney, declared, “Disney’s capitulation sends a message loud and clear: No one wants to tangle with Trump.”
ABC’s decision to settle came as U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid ordered both Trump and Stephanopoulos to sit for depositions. The optics of battling a sitting president in court may have tipped the scales. Sterling called it a “white flag of surrender,” adding, “Disney knows better than to go head-to-head with the most powerful man in the world.”
For years, Trump has railed against Disney and ABC News, branding them purveyors of “woke propaganda.” This win underscores his long-standing criticism.
“This is just the beginning,” Trump told reporters during a recent press conference. “The fake news media will be held accountable, and we’re not stopping here.”
Disney’s decision to settle is widely seen as a strategic retreat. Michael Montgomery, a political scientist, explained, “ABC’s billion-dollar FCC licenses could be at risk if Trump’s administration decides to get tough. Settling now might save them a world of hurt later.”
Disney’s woes extend beyond the courtroom. The company has faced fierce backlash from conservative Americans over its progressive agenda. From diverse casting choices to LGBTQ+ themes in its content, Disney has alienated a significant portion of its audience. Now, with Trump poised to return to power, the company appears to be rethinking its strategy.
For Trump’s supporters, this settlement is more than a legal victory—it’s a cultural milestone. Evan Nierman, CEO of Red Banyan PR, summed it up: “Trump’s ability to take on Goliaths like Disney and win shows why his base believes in him. He’s not just fighting for himself; he’s fighting for all of us who are sick of being silenced by corporate media.”
With Trump’s second term just around the corner, the message to the media is clear: tread carefully. For Disney, this settlement may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s a wake-up call. As one of America’s most iconic brands, Disney now faces the daunting task of navigating a political landscape dominated by Trump’s influence.
Trump, meanwhile, is on a roll. From lawsuits to legislative battles, he’s proving that he’s ready to take on anyone who stands in his way. And for his supporters, this latest victory is just one more reason to cheer: Trump is back, and he’s winning.
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Splitting hairs here in a litigious society…Rape or sexual abuse? Seriously?
ABC just wants to make sure vindictive Trump do not keep them out of the White House press room for the next four years…..If the American morons would not have voted for the convicted criminal , ABC would not have settle……I am assuming he still have to pay for the 83.3 millions to EJ Carroll for rape…hm, I meant defamation of character lying about the rape…wait, I meant Sexual abuse….So much winning….
Apparently I am an American moron, along with the majority of voters. You are a product of news propaganda. And that is why Trump lawyers had to sue. You are the perfect example of brainwashing by a corrupt media. It is the reason I will never watch Good Morning America and/or good ole George S. again. They lie and exaggerate truth to fit their own agenda.
Trump sues everyone and I think ABC should not have setteled.