It’s is nearly impossible for an elected official to win a libel or slander suit.

There is some sense to making it difficult. America promotes free speech and political situations sometimes get a bit heated and sometimes there are personal attacks. But President Trump has been lambasted by the so-call mainstream media more than any president in history.

Trump is fighting back.

Trump’s re-election campaign has filed libel lawsuit against CNN because of “false and defamatory” statements claiming Trump sought Russia’s help in the 2020 presidential campaign.

The story is false and the lawsuit claims that CNN knew it was false and perpetuated the false narrative.

And the suit claims CNN purposely and malicious published this lie with the intent of hurting Trump’s re-election campaign. The Trump campaign has also filed libel suits against the New York Times and the Washington Post.

How do you defend a libel suit?

First, truth is an absolute defense. Since this story is a lie, that defense won’t hold water.

Secondly, to win a libel suit you need to prove malicious intent. That wouldn’t seem to be too hard since CNN, the New York Times and the Washington Post bash Trump every day at every opportunity.

Thirdly, a defendant is at risk if they knew the story was false when it was published or aired. That is what the suit contends.

The filing states that CNN claimed Trump’s campaign “assessed the potential risks and benefits of again seeking Russia’s help in 2020 and has decided to leave that option on the table.”

Trump may not win these lawsuits because it is very difficult for a public figure. But thank goodness he has the courage to go to court to challenge the media when the truth is sacrificed for pure spite.