Legally this is correct, but from a moral/ethical perspective (not just the basement of the law), lying is reprehensible, especially with intention and in public discourse (and even worse when it's systematically applied by sophists in positions of power) ... If we sit back and just let anyone lie about anything (AKA the current President of the United States), because that's his "opinion," the spirit of the First Amendment is being disparaged and sullied in ways that only can be reversed by truth tellers and truth seekers of all types (not just journalists but everyone who cares about the underpinnings of our society) who demand evidence for all claims and summarily dismiss those who won't provide it ...