ABC News has reached a settlement with Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million toward his presidential library and $1 million in legal fees after anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurately claimed Trump had been found liable for rape in E. Jean Carroll’s civil case, as reported by AP News. The network also issued an editor’s note expressing regret over the March broadcast.
The misstatement stemmed from Carroll’s 2023 lawsuits, where Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation but not rape as defined under New York law. Trump sued ABC shortly after the broadcast, alleging defamation.
While the settlement avoids sworn depositions for both Trump and Stephanopoulos, the incident highlights ongoing legal and media tensions faced by the incoming administration.
