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It’s the now infamous ’60 Minutes’ interview with Kamala Harris that started the whole thing.
It’s the now infamous ’60 Minutes’ interview with Kamala Harris that started the whole thing.
What is happening?
CBS parent company Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump over a 2023 “60 Minutes” interview, Reuters reports.
Not to Trump directly
The funds will support Trump’s future presidential library—not Trump personally—marking another legal skirmish between the president and the media.
No Apology Included in the Deal
Paramount confirmed the settlement does not include an apology or admission of wrongdoing.
While the payout is significant, the company maintained its stance that the lawsuit lacked merit and did not concede any fault in the matter.
Trump Originally Sought $10 Billion in Damages
The legal battle began when Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit in October, accusing CBS of deceptively editing a Kamala Harris interview.
He later raised the claim to $20 billion, alleging the edit was designed to benefit Democrats during the 2024 election.
Disputed Interview Focused on Israel-Hamas War
According to Trump’s complaint, CBS aired two different versions of Harris’s comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
He claimed the selective editing misled the public and manipulated political perception during a critical time.
CBS Denied Allegations, Called Lawsuit Baseless
Throughout the proceedings, CBS stood firm, arguing that Trump’s claims were baseless and demanded the court dismiss the case.
Despite this, mediation began in April, ultimately leading to the settlement announced this week.
New Commitment: Transparency from “60 Minutes”
As part of the agreement, Paramount committed to releasing transcripts of “60 Minutes” interviews with future presidential candidates post-broadcast—though redactions may occur for legal or national security reasons.
Sidestepping the First Amendment?
Trump’s use of consumer protection laws, typically aimed at false advertising, to sue a media outlet drew concern from press advocates.
They warn it could sidestep traditional First Amendment protections, setting a troubling precedent.
Comes Amid Paramount’s Pending $8.4 Billion Merger
The settlement lands as Paramount eyes a major merger with Skydance Media.
That deal, valued at $8.4 billion, still requires regulatory approval, including from the Federal Communications Commission.
Part of a Wider Legal Strategy by Trump
This isn’t Trump’s only media lawsuit. In recent months, he also reached settlements with ABC News and Meta.
Each agreement included sizable donations to his presidential library and, in ABC’s case, a public apology for misleading statements.
More Lawsuits Likely on the Horizon
Trump shows no signs of letting up. He’s already refiled a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register over polling results he disputes.
