Thread by @politvidchannel

BREAKING: Hillary Clinton could sue Trump, Fox News, and Republicans for $100 billion for defamation

Hillary Clinton Could (Theoretically) Sue Trump, Fox News & GOP for $100B in Defamation.

let's game it out step by step, assuming stars align impossibly.

Step 1: Gather Claims. Pinpoint specific "defamatory" statements—e.g., Trump's "lock her up" chants, Fox segments on emails/Benghazi, or GOP ads calling her corrupt.

As a public figure, prove they were false facts (not opinions) with "actual malice": knowing lies or reckless disregard. Dig up internal docs/emails showing defendants KNEW claims were bunk. Tough, since most are based on probes like FBI's.

Step 2: File in Friendly Venue. Sue in a blue-state court (NY or DC) for jurisdiction—Trump's businesses there, Fox HQ in NY. Target multiple defendants: Trump personally, Fox Corp, RNC as entities. Avoid broad "Republicans" (too vague; can't sue a party for speech). Draft complaint alleging reputational harm, lost opportunities (e.g., speaking fees), emotional distress. Demand $100B? Inflate for negotiation, but courts cap based on proof.

Step 3: Survive Motion to Dismiss. Defendants will argue First Amendment protection—political speech gets wide berth post-Sullivan (1964 SCOTUS). Prove malice with evidence like Fox texts admitting exaggeration (à la Dominion). For Trump, his prez status might shield "official" acts, but personal tweets? Fair game. GOP? Protected as core politics. If judge denies dismissal, discovery begins—subpoena everything.

Step 4: Discovery Goldmine. Force production of docs: Fox emails, Trump WH comms, RNC strategies. Hope for smoking guns (e.g., "We know it's false but it rallies base"). Depose hosts like Hannity or Trump aides. But expect fights—sealed docs, privilege claims. Costly: millions in lawyers. Clinton's war chest (Clinton Foundation?) funds it, but delays could hit statutes of limitations (1-3 yrs from statement).

Step 5: Build Damages Case. Show tangible harm: Quantify lost book deals, polls tanking her rep. Punitive damages for malice? Possible, but $100B is fantasy—largest defamation award ever ~$1B, scaled down. Experts testify on "market value" of her name. Counter defendants' "truth defense": Re-litigate emails (classified mishandling) or Foundation (pay-to-play probes)—courts often defer to facts.

Step 6: Trial or Settlement. If to jury (NY/DC skews anti-Trump/Fox), spin narrative of "conspiracy to defame." But appeals loom—SCOTUS leans free-speech absolutist. Settle early? Fox paid $787M to Dominion on facts; here, weaker case.