Paramount Considers Settlement In Trump’s $10B Lawsuit Over CBS Interview

Paramount Global is reportedly exploring a settlement in a $10 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump, who claims CBS News deliberately manipulated an interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 election campaign. The lawsuit alleges that CBS altered Harris’ statements in a 60 Minutes segment to deceive the public, portraying her in a more favorable light.

The dispute centers around two different versions of Harris’ response to a key question, with Face the Nation airing a completely different answer than what was originally recorded. Trump’s attorneys argue this misrepresentation amounts to election interference. CBS, however, insists its editorial choices followed standard journalistic practices.

Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder of Paramount, is said to be open to a settlement, particularly as the company pursues a high-profile merger with Skydance Media. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), now chaired by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, has requested full transcripts and footage from the Harris interview, suggesting heightened regulatory scrutiny.

While Paramount weighs its options, CBS News staff have expressed strong opposition to any potential payout. Network executives, including 60 Minutes producer Bill Owens and CBS News president Wendy McMahon, reportedly fear that settling the lawsuit would set a troubling precedent and undermine press freedom.

Trump’s legal team argues that the case exposes media bias, pointing to previous settlements with Disney and Meta, which resolved lawsuits filed by Trump over alleged misrepresentation and censorship. Those settlements included financial payouts and donations to his presidential library.

With the merger under review and Trump’s influence reshaping corporate decisions, Paramount’s handling of the lawsuit could signal broader implications for media organizations navigating political and legal challenges.