Paramount Global is considering settling a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over claims that CBS News edited an interview with Kamala Harris to mislead voters during the 2024 election. Trump’s legal team is seeking $10 billion in damages, accusing the network of manipulating Harris’ responses in a 60 Minutes segment to benefit her politically.
The controversy stems from discrepancies between the initial interview and a version later aired on Face the Nation. Trump’s lawyers argue that CBS deliberately swapped out Harris’ actual response for a more polished one, misleading the public. CBS has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the edits were consistent with standard industry practices.
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 chairwoman, has reportedly approved discussions about a potential settlement as the company seeks to complete its merger with Skydance Media. The deal requires regulatory approval from the FCC, which is currently reviewing complaints related to the Harris interview. Trump-appointed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has requested CBS provide full transcripts and unedited footage as part of the inquiry.
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
Within CBS, tensions are rising over the possibility of a payout. Senior executives, including CBS News president Wendy McMahon and 60 Minutes producer Bill Owens, have reportedly voiced concerns that settling with Trump could be perceived as a blow to journalistic integrity.
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
Legal analysts have largely dismissed Trump’s lawsuit, arguing that CBS’ editorial decisions fall under First Amendment protections. However, Paramount’s leadership appears to be considering the financial and strategic implications, especially given previous corporate settlements with Trump, including those involving Disney and Meta.
As Paramount navigates legal and political challenges, the lawsuit’s resolution could have lasting consequences for how media companies engage with regulatory agencies under the Trump administration.
