Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is quoted in “MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell Admits ‘Error in Judgment’ in Report on Trump Finances After President’s Legal Threat” posted on The Wrap on Aug. 28.

The story features a possible defamation lawsuit against MSNBC and host Lawrence O’Donnell for his comments alleging that President Turmp has loans cosigned by Russian oligarchs.

According to LoMonte, “The key to a defamation case is proof of a factually false statement, so if a defamation claim were to go to court, the burden would be on the Trump legal team to prove falsity.”

He adds, “Because the underlying truth or falsity of the statement — that Trump borrowed money with Russian oligarchs as co-signers — is central to the case, lawyers for MSNBC and O’Donnell would have the opportunity in discovery to probe for information demonstrating that the statement is true, which could include putting the President in the witness chair for a sworn deposition.”

Posted: August 30, 2019
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, Frank LoMonte