
Paramount Global is reportedly engaged in discussions to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump over a controversial 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. The case, which Trump’s legal team claims involves deceptive editing intended to influence public perception, has sparked tension within CBS, as staffers worry a settlement would undermine journalistic integrity.
Trump’s lawsuit, filed in October 2024, alleges that CBS altered Harris’ response in a televised segment to make her appear more competent. The dispute arose when Face the Nation aired a version of the interview that reportedly featured a completely different answer from the one given in the original recording. CBS has defended its editing, insisting that no deceptive alterations were made.
Breaking: Paramount Eyeing Settlement With Trump Over CBS News $10 Billion Lawsuit for Election Interference.https://t.co/rik7UIiOgz pic.twitter.com/KTPnSIm1fC
— This is Trump Country! (@TrumpCountry47) January 31, 2025
Shari Redstone, Paramount’s majority shareholder, is said to be open to settling, particularly as her company negotiates a potential merger with Skydance Media. The deal requires regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), now led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr. Some believe resolving the lawsuit could smooth the way for the transaction.
Within CBS, the prospect of settling has sparked backlash. Executives including network president Wendy McMahon and 60 Minutes producer Bill Owens are reportedly opposed to the idea, arguing that it would set a dangerous precedent for media organizations facing legal pressure. A CBS journalist described the situation as a “humiliating concession” if the company agrees to a payout.
CBS News's parent company, Paramount, is engaging in settlement discussions with President Trump regarding his $10 billion lawsuit. The lawsuit accuses CBS of deceptively editing an interview with Kamala Harris aired on '60 Minutes' before the 2024 election. SUE them big! pic.twitter.com/ZMgQZgff11
— Scott Strick (@mailopened) January 31, 2025
Legal experts have dismissed Trump’s case as weak, citing First Amendment protections for editorial discretion in news programming. However, Trump’s influence over regulatory agencies overseeing Paramount’s merger has added a layer of complexity. The FCC has already requested that CBS turn over full transcripts and raw footage of the Harris interview as part of its ongoing inquiry.
Trump has previously pursued legal settlements with major corporations. Last year, ABC and Meta both reached agreements with him over unrelated lawsuits, with ABC contributing $15 million toward his presidential library and Meta paying $22 million in legal fees. Paramount’s decision on whether to follow suit remains uncertain.
Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, is currently in settlement negotiations with President Trump regarding a lawsuit filed over the alleged deceptive editing of Kamala Harris's interview on '60 Minutes' before the 2024 election.
The lawsuit, seeking $10 billion, has… https://t.co/zEqUYUI82u
— Truth Seeker ✝️🙏 🇺🇸 🇮🇱🇹🇼 (@truthi1seek) January 31, 2025