Mark Zuckerberg donates $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration fund

In December 2024, ABC News and its anchor George Stephanopoulos reached a settlement with Donald Trump regarding a defamation lawsuit stemming from comments made by Stephanopoulos during an interview with Representative Nancy Mace. Trump had claimed that Stephanopoulos Falsely stated on air that a jury found him liable for rape, following a federal jury's verdict on a related civil case. The settlement includes a $15 million contribution to a charitable foundation established by Trump and $1 million to cover Trump's attorney fees. Alongside the financial arrangement, ABC News will publish a formal apology regarding the statements made during the interview. The defamatory remarks were made in connection to allegations made by author E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault. While the jury had dismissed the rape accusation, they had found Trump liable for sexual abuse. Trump's legal stance was that the comments made by Stephanopoulos misrepresented the jury's findings and unfairly tarnished his reputation. The case caught public attention not only for its high-profile nature but also for the broader implications regarding media responsibility in reporting legal proceedings accurately. The legal process saw ABC News attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming the statements were protected under the fair report privilege. However, the lawsuit advanced when a Florida judge sided with Trump, indicating potential misinterpretation by viewers. As depositions were forthcoming, the two parties opted to settle rather than continue with litigation, highlighting a desire to avoid further publicity and costs associated with court proceedings. This settlement marks one of the significant legal encounters involving Trump and media figures, demonstrating how public figures often navigate the intersection of defamation laws and media coverage. It reflects ongoing tensions between Trump and mainstream media organizations, which often find themselves at odds due to Trump's controversial persona and their respective reporting standards. The published apology will serve as a formal acknowledgment of the misstatements, ensuring that there will be a permanent record addressing the matter put forth by Trump.