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Paramount Global settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump for $16 million. The suit, filed in October 2024, alleged CBS News deceptively edited a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris.
Trump claimed the edits favored the Democratic Party. The settlement, announced on July 2, 2025, avoids a trial and includes no apology from Paramount.
Lawsuit Allegations
Trump filed the lawsuit in Amarillo, Texas, alleging CBS aired two versions of a Harris interview. The versions showed different answers to a question about the Israel-Hamas war.
Trump initially sought $10 billion, later raising the claim to $20 billion. He argued the edits violated Texas consumer protection laws.
CBS called the lawsuit “completely without merit” and sought dismissal.
The lawsuit alleged that CBS, via its news show 60 Minutes, deceptively edited an interview with Harris – then the US vice-president as well as the Democratic presidential candidate – to “tip the scales in favor of the Democratic party” in the election. On the campaign trail last year, Trump threatened to revoke CBS’s broadcasting licence if elected.
The lawsuit also alleged that CBS aired two versions of the interview in which Harris appeared to give different answers to the same question about the Israel-Hamas war. CBS said the lawsuit, was “completely without merit” and had asked a judge to dismiss the case. —The Guardian
Settlement Details
Paramount agreed to pay $16 million, allocated to Trump’s future presidential library or charitable causes. The settlement includes Trump’s legal fees.
CBS also committed to releasing transcripts of future presidential candidate interviews, with possible redactions for legal or national security reasons.
This policy, dubbed the “Trump Rule,” aims to increase transparency. A Trump legal team spokesperson called the settlement “another win for the American people.”
Social Media Reaction
The settlement sparked discussion on X. Breanna Morello posted on July 2, 2025, detailing the agreement.
BREAKING NEWS
Paramount Global and CBS will pay President Donald Trump over $30 million to settle his election interference lawsuit.
Trump gets $16 million upfront for legal fees, case costs, and his choice of a presidential library or charity.
Another mid-eight-figure… pic.twitter.com/X1zN8i6lPD
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) July 2, 2025
Morello’s post highlighted claims of an additional sum for conservative causes, though Paramount disputes this allocation.
Broader Context
The Trump CBS Settlement coincides with Paramount’s $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, pending Federal Communications Commission approval.
The FCC, led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, is reviewing the deal. Some lawmakers, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, warned the settlement might violate bribery laws.
They argued it could influence Trump’s administration. Paramount maintains the lawsuit and merger are unrelated.
Media Industry Impact
The settlement follows similar media concessions. ABC News paid Trump $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit. Meta Platforms paid $25 million over Trump’s account suspension.
CBS News staff expressed concerns about editorial integrity. The agreement, finalized after mediation began in April 2025, reflects ongoing tensions between media and the Trump administration.
