In 2024 alone, Trump launched lawsuits against ABC, CBS, Meta, and X. He dropped his case against CBS in October 2024 after a reported $16 million contribution to his future presidential library by Paramount. Disney, ABC’s parent company, made a similar payout.
E. Jean Carroll Case
Trump’s latest litigation follows the high-profile case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million. Trump lost the appeal, and his team is now seeking intervention from the Supreme Court.
More details on the E. Jean Carroll verdict
Chilling Effect on Journalism?
Experts warn Trump’s pattern of suing media companies may have deeper consequences for the press and democracy.
University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias noted:
“His attacks on the media undermine the First Amendment by making the media and others more cautious in covering Trump, his administration, and other federal and state politicians.”
Still, some analysts argue that challenging bias in modern journalism is a necessary response to digital echo chambers and misinformation.
