President-elect Donald Trump is wasting no time in targeting the media, following through on his campaign promise to challenge unfavorable coverage.
Just a month before his inauguration, Trump’s legal actions against news outlets are raising questions about his motives and their potential impact on press freedom... Continue reading here ▶
A Bold Legal Campaign
Trump recently secured a $16 million settlement from ABC News after suing the outlet for defamation. The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by host George Stephanopoulos, who claimed Trump was found liable for “rape” in a case involving writer E. Jean Carroll.
While Judge Lewis F. Kaplan clarified that the verdict was technically for “sexual abuse,” the term was widely understood as equivalent to rape. The settlement included $15 million earmarked for Trump’s future presidential library and $1 million for legal fees.
Experts worry this victory could embolden Trump to pursue similar lawsuits against other media organizations.
“This recent settlement is particularly concerning because it may encourage Trump to file more lawsuits hoping for similar outcomes,” said Anna Diakun, staff attorney for the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. “Even the threat of legal action could lead some outlets to self-censor, which appears to be Trump’s goal.”
The Broader Implications
Syracuse University media professor Roy Gutterman sees Trump’s actions as more than just a continuation of his long history of litigation.
“The difference now is that he’s entering the presidency with what appears to be broad support from other branches of government,” Gutterman said. “The system of checks and balances seems to be tilting, and that’s a dangerous precedent for press freedom.”
Gutterman added that Trump’s legal campaign could set a chilling tone for how the administration deals with media criticism.
New Lawsuit Targets
In December, Trump announced a new lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and retired pollster J. Ann Selzer. Trump alleged that Selzer’s poll predicting Vice President Kamala Harris would win Iowa by three points constituted “election interference.” Trump ultimately won Iowa by a double-digit margin.
The Register plans to fight the lawsuit on First Amendment grounds, but the case underscores the growing tension between Trump and the press.
A Chilling Effect
Legal experts warn that Trump’s aggressive legal tactics could have far-reaching consequences for journalistic independence.
“Trump’s actions may force news outlets to think twice before publishing critical stories,” Diakun said. “This isn’t an accident—it appears to be a deliberate strategy to silence dissent and control the narrative.”
Source: The Guardian