NBC News political analyst Chuck Todd bemoaned a decision by ABC News to settle a defamation lawsuit with President-elect Trump over the weekend.
“This was stunning to me and absolutely a gut punch to anybody who works for a major media company," Todd said during a conversation with political reporter Chris Cillizza.
"I think it does set a precedent that is going to be very difficult … to get out from under potentially,” Todd said. “I just, you know, I think the risk of losing this suit was 5 percent."
ABC settled Trump's defamation lawsuit on Saturday, agreeing to pay the former president's foundation $15 million and issue a public apology for a segment on "ABC This Week" during which anchor George Stephanopoulos erroneously said on air that Trump had been found liable for rape.
A New York jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation against writer E. Jean Carroll but did not find him liable for rape.
Several press freedom groups and media observers told The Hill this week ABC's decision to settle with Trump could set a dangerous precedent and have a chilling effect on other media companies.
The decision by the Disney-owned network has seemingly emboldened Trump, who on Tuesday sued the Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer over a poll showing him projected to lose Iowa.
Trump is also suing CBS News, journalist Bob Woodward and has teased more lawsuits against other media companies and journalists.
