Here we are, folks—ABC News recently cut a $15 million check to settle a defamation suit with President-elect Donald Trump after its star anchor George Stephanopoulos repeatedly and aggressively said Trump had been “found liable for rape.” And now, we’ve got commentators spinning themselves into a tizzy, debating whether this settlement is about truth, media intimidation, or corporate self-preservation. Let’s take a deep breath and unpack this from an independent Christian conservative perspective.

When “Close Enough” Isn’t Close at All

First off, words matter. If we live in a world where journalists can casually stretch or twist the facts, we’re all in trouble—left, right, and center. The reality is simple: A jury—not a politician, not a judge, not Stephanopoulos—decided Trump was liable for sexual abuse, not rape, as narrowly defined under New York law. That’s a legal distinction. It’s uncomfortable and unsettling, no doubt, but it matters.

For Stephanopoulos—an experienced journalist with deep political ties—to ignore this nuance and repeatedly say “rape” wasn’t just sloppy; it was reckless. As the Washington Examiner’s Byron York rightly pointed out, Stephanopoulos seemed determined to push a narrative regardless of what the jury actually found. That’s not journalism; it’s advocacy. And for a major news network like ABC to allow it? That’s a problem. The $15 million check is proof they knew they’d lose in court. In plain English: ABC couldn’t defend what he said because it wasn’t true.

The Erosion of Trust in Media

For years, mainstream media outlets have cried wolf about being unfairly labeled “fake news.” And quite often, those accusations have been exaggerated. But moments like this give their critics all the ammunition they need. When trust in the press is already at rock bottom, reckless mistakes—or worse, calculated statements—erode public confidence even further. That’s not good for Trump supporters, Biden supporters, or anyone in between.

Here’s the thing: The media’s job is to inform, not to win. Truth should always come before agenda, especially for those who claim to stand on the principles of a free press protected under the First Amendment. Erik Wemple of The Washington Post argued that ABC shouldn’t have settled because the statement was “substantially true.” Sorry, but “substantially true” doesn’t cut it. If someone accused me of doing something I didn’t do—by definition or otherwise—I’d be filing a lawsuit too.

Words like “rape” aren’t just legal technicalities. They’re heavy, emotionally charged, and life-altering. The fact that Stephanopoulos kept hammering it shows he wasn’t just reporting; he was prosecuting in the court of public opinion.

Media Intimidation or Corporate Survival?

Now, some folks are crying foul, claiming Disney (ABC’s parent company) is just trying to cozy up to Trump before his administration takes office. Are there legitimate concerns about corporate media playing nice to avoid regulatory headaches? Sure. Anne Applebaum over at The New Republic warned about the slippery slope of self-censorship, and she’s not wrong. The real danger isn’t overt censorship but journalists becoming overly cautious, afraid of lawsuits or political backlash. But let’s not kid ourselves—this settlement wasn’t about currying favor; it was about accountability.

Ed Morrissey over at Hot Air nailed it: Disney didn’t pay $15 million because Trump scared them. They paid because Stephanopoulos made statements ABC couldn’t defend. And let’s be honest, ABC’s attorneys—some of the best in the business—know when they’re holding a losing hand. They didn’t cut this check out of weakness; they cut it because the facts weren’t on their side.

Accountability Isn’t Just for the Media

Let’s be clear: Trump has his faults. Plenty of them. The fact that he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil trial isn’t something to shrug off. As Christians, we should call out sin wherever we see it—no matter who’s guilty. But that doesn’t mean media outlets get to bend the truth to score political points. Stephanopoulos didn’t do E. Jean Carroll any favors by muddying the facts, and he certainly didn’t help ABC’s credibility either.

The lesson here is simple: Accountability cuts both ways. Trump was held accountable in court for what the jury determined happened. Stephanopoulos and ABC were held accountable for what they said afterward. That’s how the system is supposed to work.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about Trump, ABC News, or George Stephanopoulos. This is about the integrity of our media and the trustworthiness of those who report the news. As a Christian and a conservative, I believe truth is non-negotiable. The Bible tells us plainly in Proverbs 12:19: “The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” Truth will stand the test of time; falsehoods, no matter how politically convenient, will crumble.

So, here’s my challenge to the media: Do better. Stick to the facts. Report the truth, even when it’s inconvenient. And to the rest of us, let’s hold everyone—politicians, journalists, and ourselves—to the same standard of integrity. America deserves a press that keeps us informed, not misled.

As for ABC News, that $15 million should serve as a costly reminder: When you claim to speak the truth, you’d better get your facts straight.