Trump is suing The Des Moines Register, its former pollster Ann Selzer, and parent company Gannett over a pre-election poll showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading Trump in Iowa by three points. Trump claims the poll amounted to 'election interference,' despite winning Iowa by 13 points.
ABC News settled with Trump for $15 million after he sued them for defamation. The lawsuit stemmed from anchor George Stephanopoulos stating that a jury found Trump 'liable of rape' instead of 'liable of sexual assault.'
Smaller news organizations may struggle to defend against Trump's lawsuits due to limited financial resources. Unlike larger institutions, they lack the muscle to withstand prolonged legal battles, potentially leading to existential challenges for smaller outlets.
Media organizations may become more cautious in their coverage of Trump, fearing legal retaliation. While major outlets like CNN and The New York Times are unlikely to stop critical reporting, smaller outlets may face significant challenges, and the overall climate could become more hostile to press freedom.
The IRA has spurred $154 billion in private-sector clean energy investments, supported over 3 billion households with $8 billion in tax credits for home improvements, and contributed to Biden's goal of reducing U.S. emissions by at least 50%. It has also funded renewable energy projects and rural energy cooperatives.
The Biden administration is rushing to allocate IRA funds to prevent Trump from rescinding them. Once funds are obligated, it becomes legally difficult for an incoming president to reclaim them, ensuring continued progress on clean energy initiatives.
Trump and Republicans could attempt to repeal the IRA through Congress, though this may face resistance due to significant funding benefiting Republican districts. Alternatively, Trump could use federal agencies to slow down or alter IRA programs, such as changing eligibility criteria or conducting program reviews.
Virginia Representative Gerry Connolly defeated New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a secret ballot vote to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Connolly emphasized experience and capability as key factors in his victory.
Luigi Mangione is charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, including one count as an act of terrorism. He also faces weapons and forgery charges and could receive a maximum penalty of life without parole.
The National Film Registry added 25 films in 2024, including 'Spy Kids,' 'The Social Network,' and 'No Country for Old Men,' recognizing their cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance. The registry now includes 900 titles, preserving America's film heritage.
President-elect Donald Trump made good on his promise late Monday to sue The Des Moines Register, the newspaper's former pollster, Ann Selzer, and the paper's parent company, Gannett. His lawyers argue that Selzer's early November poll showing Vice President Kamala Harris beating Trump in Iowa amounted to "election interference." The suit comes on the heels of ABC News' decision to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump. Dylan Byers, media reporter and founding partner of Puck News, explains what it could mean for coverage of Trump's second term.
Later in the show, Crooked correspondent and longtime climate reporter Stephanie Ebbs breaks down the Biden Administration's rush to spend funds for clean energy projects tied to the Inflation Reduction Act.
And in headlines: Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly beat New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez in the contest to be the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect is charged with murder, and Ukraine claimed credit for the killing of a senior Russian general in Moscow.
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