In the U.S., defamation is generally covered by state law, with very few exceptions. There's also usually substantial immunity for officials acting in an offici

In the U.S., defamation is generally covered by state law, with very few exceptions. There's also usually substantial immunity for officials acting in an official capacity (Parsons is addressing an issue of governmental embarrassment not personal embarrassment). I think the better route is impeachment for failing to take care that the laws are faithfully executed and abuse of office. But it's not clear that Missouri provides a way for the newspaper or any individual to force that issue.