ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, who had accused Trump of rape without evidence. As part of the settlement, ABC News will issue an official apology for Stephanopoulos' remarks and will also donate $15 million to establish a Trump Presidential Foundation and Museum. Additionally, the network will pay $1 million to cover Trump's legal expenses.

The controversy began in March 2023 when Stephanopoulos interviewed Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace and repeatedly mentioned that judges and juries had found Trump guilty of rape. Later that year, a New York court ruled that Trump was liable for sexual abuse against magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll, awarding her $8.33 million in damages. However, the court stated that the specific legal definition of rape under New York law had not been met.

Regarding the settlement, an ABC spokesperson confirmed that both parties were satisfied with the resolution. Trump has also filed lawsuits against other media outlets, including CBS and CNN, over alleged defamatory behavior. However, some of these lawsuits were dismissed.