Paramount Global and CBS Agree to Pay Trump $16 Million
Paramount Global, owner of CBS News, has agreed to pay $16 million to settle President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over the editing of a 2024 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump alleged the network deceptively edited Harris’ responses to influence voters and initally sought up to $20 billion in damages.
Under the settlement, the $16 million will cover Trump’s legal fees and fund his future presidential library. Paramount also agreed to now release full, unedited transcripts of future 60 Minutes interviews with U.S. presidential candidates, though no apology or admission of journalistic wrongdoing was included in the settlement’s terms.
The timing of the settlement is strategic, as Paramount awaits approval for its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which hinges on regulatory sign-off and a clean legal slate. However, critics worry the deal sets a troubling precedent, suggesting media companies might yield to political pressure rather than contest lawsuits that challenge their journalistic credibility and integrity.
Press freedom advocates have also voiced concern, calling the settlement an erosion of journalistic independence. Still, proponents argue that the agreement strengthens media transparency by ensuring raw interview materials become accessible to the public.
This isn’t the first time Trump has cashed in on a lawsuit against a media company. He won a $15 million payment from ABC last year after suing them for defamation.
