Former US president Donald Trump’s lawsuit against CNN has been dismissed by a federal judge. Trump claimed that the network comparing his allegations of election fraud in 2020 to Adolf Hitler’s “the Big Lie” was defamatory and damaged his reputation. He sought damages of $475 million from CNN, arguing that the network’s use of the phrase incited hatred, contempt, distrust, ridicule, and fear towards him.
However, US District Judge Raag Singhal ruled that CNN’s references to “the Big Lie” were statements of opinion rather than fact. Singhal stated that calling someone “Hitler-like” is not a verifiable statement of fact that can support a defamation claim. While he found Nazi references in political discourse, regardless of which side they come from, to be repugnant, Singhal concluded that they do not imply that Trump advocates for the persecution and genocide of Jews.
This dismissal comes at a time when Trump is facing multiple legal battles and is attempting to raise money to cover his legal bills. He is facing criminal charges for mishandling classified documents, a grand jury indictment for allegedly attempting to reverse his election loss in 2020, and state-level cases in New York and Georgia. To help fund his legal defense, Trump’s campaign team has reportedly created a legal defense fund, as his legal expenses have already amounted to tens of millions of dollars.
Trump maintains that he is being persecuted by President Joe Biden’s Justice Department for political reasons. As the leading Republican presidential candidate, he believes that the charges against him are politically motivated. However, none of Trump’s claims of election fraud in 2020 have been substantiated in court, and his attempts to challenge the election results have been largely unsuccessful.
While the dismissal of Trump’s lawsuit against CNN is a blow to his legal efforts, it is important to note that it does not absolve him of the allegations made against him. The court’s ruling simply states that CNN’s statements were expressions of opinion, not defamatory claims. As his legal battles continue, it remains to be seen how these cases will unfold and what impact they will have on Trump’s political career.
In the meantime, Trump’s legal defense fund will play a crucial role in covering his mounting legal expenses. With the numerous charges and lawsuits he is facing, the financial burden is significant. Trump’s supporters may contribute to the fund in an effort to help their candidate fight these legal battles. The outcome of these cases will not only affect Trump personally but also have broader implications for the political landscape in the United States.
Source link
