Trump vs. ABC: Defamation Lawsuit Takes Center Stage

In a high-profile legal battle, President-elect Donald Trump has been ordered to spend up to four hours answering questions under oath as part of his defamation lawsuit against ABC and its host, George Stephanopoulos. The lawsuit stems from comments made by Stephanopoulos earlier this year, alleging that Trump was civilly liable for raping former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. Trump contends that these remarks misrepresented the outcome of a jury trial and has sought legal recourse to defend his reputation.

The Core of the Controversy

In March, Stephanopoulos stated during an ABC broadcast that a jury had found Trump civilly liable for raping Carroll in a New York department store. In reality, the jury concluded that Trump was liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her by denying the incident, not for rape as narrowly defined under New York Penal Law. Judge Lewis Kaplan, who presided over the case, clarified in July 2023 that the legal definition of rape under New York law is narrower than its common modern usage.

Despite these nuances, Trump’s legal team has argued that Stephanopoulos’s remarks caused significant harm to his reputation, prompting the defamation suit.

Depositions Ordered

On Friday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid ruled that both Trump and Stephanopoulos must undergo depositions the week of December 16, 2024. Trump’s deposition will take place in person in South Florida, while Stephanopoulos has the option to participate remotely.

Reid’s two-page order emphasized the importance of moving forward now that the 2024 presidential election has concluded:

“Plaintiff’s deposition will be limited to four hours and shall take place in person and in this district,” Reid wrote. “Defendant George Stephanopoulos’ deposition will also be limited to four hours.”

Reid acknowledged previous delays due to Trump’s campaign but stated there was no justification for further postponement.

Legal Teams React

At a recent court hearing, Nathan Siegel, representing ABC and Stephanopoulos, expressed frustration over Trump’s avoidance of deposition. He suggested holding the deposition near Mar-a-Lago to accommodate logistical challenges. Alejandro Brito, Trump’s attorney, assured the court that he would “do everything in my power to make the president available” while citing potential limitations due to Secret Service involvement.

In July, ABC’s attempt to dismiss the suit was denied in federal court, with Judge Kaplan rejecting the argument that his earlier remarks rendered Stephanopoulos’s statement “substantially true.” Both parties later agreed to move the trial’s start date from April to June 2024.

Broader Implications

Unlike some legal proceedings delayed due to Trump’s presidency, this civil case is expected to proceed during his second term since Trump initiated the lawsuit. Legal experts note that the case highlights the challenges of balancing legal accountability with the demands of public office.

The outcome could have significant implications for media accountability and the boundaries of journalistic commentary. As the legal proceedings unfold, they will likely remain a focal point for public and political discourse, adding yet another layer of complexity to Trump’s already eventful post-election landscape.

Next Steps

The scheduled depositions mark a critical phase in this defamation case. With high stakes for both Trump and ABC, the courtroom battle is poised to become a landmark moment in defining the intersection of media responsibility, defamation law, and political legacy.