Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN Dismissed by Federal Court

In a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump, a federal appeals court has dismissed his defamation lawsuit against CNN regarding its characterization of his claims about the 2020 election. The court ruled that CNN’s statements were opinions rather than factual assertions.

Background of the Lawsuit

Trump initially filed a $475 million defamation lawsuit against CNN in 2022, claiming the network used derogatory labels that damaged his reputation. Key allegations included being labeled a "racist," "Russian lackey," "insurrectionist," and even being compared to Adolf Hitler. The lawsuit specifically cited a 2022 report by Fareed Zakaria that included images of Hitler, which Trump argues unfairly equated him with the Nazi dictator.

Key Points from the Court’s Ruling

• Judge Raag Singhal’s Decision: Appointed by Trump, Judge Singhal dismissed the lawsuit in early 2023, affirming that references to the term “Big Lie” were opinion-based.
• Eleventh Circuit’s Findings: On Tuesday, the Eleventh Circuit upheld this decision, reaffirming that the words used by CNN did not constitute "factually false statements" and pointed out that Trump failed to demonstrate “actual malice,” a critical standard in defamation cases for public figures.

"To be clear, CNN has never explicitly claimed that Trump’s ‘actions and statements were designed to be, and actually were, variations of those [that] Hitler used to suppress and destroy populations,’" the court noted.

Trump’s Legal Strategy Moving Forward

Despite this setback, Trump’s legal team insists he will continue to pursue accountability from mainstream media. A spokesperson stated, “President Trump will continue to hold the mainstream media accountable and will pursue this case against CNN to its just and deserved conclusion.”

In addition to CNN, Trump is engaged in multiple other defamation lawsuits against media giants, including:

• Wall Street Journal: Sued for $10 billion related to a report linking him to Jeffrey Epstein.
• New York Times: Filed a $15 billion lawsuit for allegedly defamatory statements published during the 2024 campaign.
• BBC: Expected to file for up to $5 billion over claims related to his speech on January 6, 2021.

Previous Legal Victories

Interestingly, Trump has had some success in prior defamation cases:

• Disney: Settled a lawsuit for $16 million related to remarks made by George Stephanopoulos.
• CBS: Paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit stemming from the editing of a Vice President Harris interview.

What This Means for Trump

The dismissal of Trump’s lawsuit against CNN marks a crucial juncture in his ongoing war against media narratives. As he pursues defamation claims against various outlets, the outcome of these legal battles will significantly shape the discourse surrounding his legacy and public perception.

• Future Implications: This ruling and Trump’s ongoing lawsuits may have lasting consequences on media freedoms and the functioning of public discourse.

For more information on the legal standards for defamation and public figures, visit Cornell Law School’s overview.

By remaining steadfast in his legal pursuits, Trump continues to make waves not just in the political arena but also within the judiciary system. The legal landscape for media and public interactions is evolving, with significant implications for those both in and outside of government.