Federal Appeals Court Dismisses Trump’s ‘Meritless’ Lawsuit Against CNN
A federal appeals court has dismissed former President Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against CNN, labeling it as “meritless.” This lawsuit arose from CNN’s use of the term “the big lie” when discussing Trump’s false claims regarding the 2020 election results.
Details of the Case
On Tuesday, a three-judge panel upheld a ruling made by a Florida judge earlier in 2023. This ruling determined that Trump could not substantiate claims of “falsity,” a critical element required for presenting a defamation case. The judges noted that Trump’s actions and statements after losing the election are “susceptible to multiple subjective interpretations.” Therefore, they stated that his claims are “not readily capable of being proven true or false.”
Judges’ Opinions
- Judge Kevin Newsom (appointed by Trump)
- Judge Elizabeth Branch (appointed by Trump)
- Judge Adalberto Jordan (appointed by Barack Obama)
The judges unanimously agreed that Trump’s arguments lacked merit, reinforcing the challenges faced by public figures in defamation claims against media entities.
Reactions and Implications
A spokesperson for CNN chose not to comment on the ruling. This decision reaffirms a broader trend where American news organizations tend to succeed in court when resisting pressure from Trump. Over the past year, settlements involving Trump and major media companies like Disney and Paramount have faced public scrutiny.
Lindsey Halligan and Jim Trusty, Trump’s legal representatives, initially filed the lawsuit. However, Trusty withdrew after eight months due to “irreconcilable differences” with Trump. Halligan continues to play a role in Trump’s legal affairs and currently serves as the interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a position that has met legal challenges.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit also accused CNN of linking Trump to Adolf Hitler and Nazis, often referencing statements made by television guests. District Judge Raag Singhal, overseeing the case, ruled that these expressions were opinions rather than facts. He emphasized that “bad rhetoric is not defamation when it does not include false statements of fact.”
Trump’s Response
Following the appellate court’s decision, a spokesperson for Trump’s legal team asserted that CNN had defamed both Trump and his supporters. They emphasized Trump’s commitment to holding mainstream media accountable, indicating a potential continuation of legal actions against CNN.
