In an alarming twist to an already bizarre case, ABC News has reached a settlement with Donald Trump for 15 million dollars, which can only be described as the embodiment of journalistic weakness. Why? Because on March 10th, George Stephanopoulos stated that “judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape.”

Let’s get something clear. Webster’s Dictionary defines rape as, and I quote, “unlawful sexual activity and usually sexual intercourse carried out forcibly…”. Under New York laws, the horrifying things that Donald Trump did to Carroll don’t technically qualify as rape, which is awful enough as it is. However, a jury of 9 people did find Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll. The distinction, according to NY, is that he used his fingers and not his penis. Regardless, according to Webster’s, Donald Trump absolutely is a rapist. ABC chose to settle, fueling his claims of “fake news” to his base, which almost certainly sees this as proof. This isn’t the first time the network has settled, and it highlights a broader issue.

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The Case in Question

Let’s go back a little. In May 2023, a New York jury found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages, marking a significant legal victory in her long-standing accusations against Trump. Although the actual legal determination did not amount to ‘rape’ as defined under New York law, the distinction isn’t even relevant.

In January 2024, another jury ordered Donald Trump to pay an additional $83.3 million in damages to E. Jean Carroll for defamation, after which he did what any reasonable person would do – attacked Carroll on national TV while playing the victim. Stephanopoulos, while reporting actual facts, laid claim that Trump was “found liable for rape”.. Trump’s lawyers didn’t waste a moment in filing a defamation case (as if it’s possible to defame Donald Trump, I mean, come on..). Instead of defending their anchor, ABC backed down, issued a formal apology, and wrote a substantial check instead of fighting against Trump’s plan to disrupt mainstream media.

A Missed Opportunity for Accountability

ABC’s decision to settle was not just a missed shot at the interview of a lifetime, it was a failure to hold a powerful figure accountable. Imagine Donald Trump, UNDER OATH, forced to answer questions about his actions. This was a chance to make him actually expose himself for what he actually is once and for all – and ABC backed down.

This is not just a matter of common sense. The entire purpose of a free press is to enforce accountability to those in power. ABC’s surrender and the unearned victory it handed to Trump set the stage for a more significant issue-the erosion of media’s role in upholding accountability.

Mainstream Media’s Trump Problem

ABC’s apparent disregard for their duty to the American public is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a growing trend: the normalization of Donald Trump. Despite his nonstop falsehoods, incredulous claims, and documented history of misconduct, media outlets often treat him like a regular politician. This normalization of Trump’s far-from-normal behavior is a serious issue that undermines the public’s trust.

The consequences have already been devastating. According to a YouGov survey, 47% of Americans believe that news media coverage of the 2024 election has been worse than usual, with 66% of Republicans and 28% of Democrats expressing this sentiment.

This dissatisfaction reflects a broader concern that the press fails to hold Trump accountable. Additionally, another study found significant media bias in the 2024 U.S. presidential race. Kamala Harris received 78% positive coverage on major networks, while Donald Trump faced 85% negative coverage. For many, this imbalance reinforces the belief that the press is more focused on sensationalism than substantive conflict, leading to a perception that they will not pursue critical stories diligently.

What’s at Stake?

By allowing Trump to escape accountability, the media is not only failing its readers but also destabilizing democracy. Each time a network caves in or downplays Trump’s latest scandal, it paves the way for more misconduct that would have ended any other politician’s career. This erosion of accountability is a grave danger to journalism and democracy and must be addressed with urgency.

We must consider the implications of this decision. ABC has conveyed a clear message to Trump and other aspiring autocrats: the media is unwilling to stand up to power and afraid to support their journalists who dare to do so. This leads journalists to approach their work more cautiously, especially when reporting on those in power.

Authoritarian regimes gradually undermine press freedom, not through sudden changes but through a slow erosion of the courage to speak the truth. This is how it begins, and the resolve to confront power gradually fades away.

A Call to Action for the Press

The Fourth Estate has a crucial role: pass information to the public and defend them from oppression. When it fails to uphold this fundamental principle, it deludes its audience and undermines democracy. If news organizations such as ABC News are to regain credibility, they must rise up and fight.

This means sticking to your stories, even when they may have legal consequences. It means reporting on Trump and his administration with authority, accuracy, and integrity. The most crucial aspect is understanding that neutrality is not a balance between good and evil. It means reporting the truth without fear or favor, even if it is unpopular.

Last Words

The $15 million settlement by ABC News is more than just a legal resolution; it reflects a significant threat to the integrity of the press. If the media continues to bow to pressure, figures like Trump will continue exploiting the limits of the law even further.

News agencies and journalists both must remember the mission. We must not normalize Trump or portray his actions as just typical political behavior. The media’s responsibility is to accurately depict the truth without yielding to intimidation or legal threats. The future of our democracy may very well depend on it.