After ABC News settled with Donald Trump for $16 million over George Stephanopoulos incessantly lying about Trump being held “liable for rape,” the hot concept in media panic was the “chilling effect.”
MSNBC commentator Barbara McQuade lamented “the chilling effect it might have on people who otherwise would be critical of Donald Trump.” Is there a shortage of critical statements in the media about Trump? It seems more like the opposite.
CNN anchor Jim Acosta—the Old Yeller of the White House press corps in the first Trump term—complained to Brian Stelter: “I have to ask you whether or not you think there’s just going to be a chilling effect on the news industry as just as he is coming into office because of this. I mean, I suppose it’s almost a rhetorical question because the answer is yes.” Stelter agreed.
Trump has sued CBS News for its…
