ABC News has reached a $15 million settlement with United States President-elect Donald Trump to resolve a defamation lawsuit over comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos.
The lawsuit stemmed from a March interview with U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, during which Stephanopoulos incorrectly stated that Trump was “liable for rape.” In reality, Trump was found liable for sexual abuse—a different legal finding under New York law—in a 2023 case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll.
As part of the settlement, ABC News will donate $15 million to a fund supporting a Trump presidential foundation and museum. The broadcaster and Stephanopoulos will also issue public apologies, expressing regret for their statements, and pay an additional $1 million in attorney fees.
The agreement was reached just one day after a judge ordered depositions from both Trump and Stephanopoulos.
The settlement adds to Trump’s recent legal victories since his November 5 election win. Last month, a U.S. appeals court dismissed charges related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents. Federal prosecutors also paused an inquiry into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, although a separate racketeering case in Georgia remains ongoing.
Additionally, sentencing in Trump’s May hush money conviction has been indefinitely delayed, marking a shift in legal momentum for the president-elect.
