George Stephanopoulos, a longtime co-host of Good Morning America, has renewed his commitment to ABC News with a fresh multi-year contract, even as the network weathers the fallout from a high-profile legal settlement involving President-elect Donald Trump.

Despite criticism and intense media scrutiny, Stephanopoulos is staying put—remaining one of the most recognized faces in morning television. According to insiders familiar with the deal, his return ensures continuity on a show where viewer habits are notoriously resistant to change. With no clear successor lined up, his presence helps stabilize the program at a critical time.

The controversy began earlier this year following a tense interview Stephanopoulos conducted with Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina. In the segment, the anchor questioned her support for Trump by citing civil court findings that held Trump liable for defamation and sexual misconduct related to writer E. Jean Carroll. His framing of the legal findings—suggesting Trump had been found guilty of rape—ignited backlash and ultimately triggered a defamation lawsuit from the president-elect.

The segment turned emotionally charged when Mace, a survivor of sexual assault, pushed back hard. “I was raped at 16,” she stated firmly. “And it’s a shame that you will never feel, George.” Mace accused Stephanopoulos of using her trauma to shame her political choices, igniting a broader conversation about sensitivity, responsibility, and media tone in political discourse.

Stephanopoulos defended his line of questioning, arguing that it centered on Trump’s legal history, not Mace’s personal experience. But the backlash was swift—and legal action followed.

In what many saw as an unexpected twist, ABC News and Stephanopoulos settled the lawsuit quietly but substantially. The agreement included a $15 million contribution to a future presidential foundation and museum to be established by or on behalf of Trump, along with $1 million in legal fees. A rare and public statement of regret from the network accompanied the settlement.

“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024,” the network noted in an updated version of the story.

Though the financial terms and public apology raised eyebrows, ABC executives see the settlement as a necessary step to resolve the dispute cleanly. A spokesperson for the network stated they were “pleased” that the matter was closed.

Industry observers note that while such large settlements are rare in media-related lawsuits, this one likely factored in the reputational stakes for all involved. ABC News, Stephanopoulos, and Disney—the parent company—have a vested interest in preserving their credibility, especially in the high-stakes world of political journalism.

Despite the legal drama, Stephanopoulos’ value to the network remains significant. Earning a reported $20 million annually, his role on Good Morning America includes not only co-hosting but also lending journalistic heft to the program’s more serious political coverage. That balance of credibility and charisma has helped the morning show maintain its dominant position in the ratings for years.

His renewed contract signals confidence from Disney and ABC that, even in the wake of controversy, Stephanopoulos remains a critical asset. It also suggests that the network is looking to ride out any residual tension, betting that viewer loyalty will outlast the headlines.

What’s more, the network’s strategic decision to settle the defamation suit—rather than allow it to drag on—indicates a larger trend toward conflict resolution over confrontation in an era when public perception can shift overnight.

As for Stephanopoulos, insiders say he remains focused on his on-air duties and has not commented publicly beyond the network’s statement. With his new contract in place, he is expected to continue leading major political interviews and breaking news coverage well into the next election cycle.

The incident may fade with time, but it serves as a potent reminder of how swiftly a single question—especially in today’s hyper-sensitive political environment—can change the course of public conversation and corporate decision-making.

For now, one thing is clear: the face of Good Morning America isn’t going anywhere. But the echo of that March interview will likely follow Stephanopoulos—and the network—for some time.