Paramount settles with Trump over ‘60 Minutes’ interview for $16 million

 

CBS parent company Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed the network deceptively edited a 2023 “60 Minutes” interview to benefit the Democratic Party. The interview in question featured then–Vice President Kamala Harris, who appeared to give two different answers to a question about the Israel-Hamas war. Trump accused CBS of manipulating the footage to mislead voters, initially suing for $10 billion, then raising the demand to $20 billion. Although Paramount denies wrongdoing and included no apology or admission of fault in the settlement, it agreed that future interviews with presidential candidates on “60 Minutes” will have transcripts published after airing, allowing more transparency. These transcripts can still be redacted for national security or legal reasons. The settlement funds will be allocated to Trump’s future presidential library, not paid to him directly. This is part of a broader legal strategy by Trump to challenge major media outlets for what he calls “false and misleading coverage.” The case, filed in federal court in Texas, used the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices law, which consumer protection groups say could become a tool for bypassing standard media protections if it gains traction. The settlement occurred while Paramount is preparing to merge with Skydance Media in a deal worth $8.4 billion. The company may have been motivated to avoid a prolonged legal fight that could complicate the merger’s approval by federal regulators. Trump has also been openly critical of CBS, even threatening to revoke its broadcasting license if re-elected.

The Paramount settlement is the third high-profile media legal victory for Donald Trump in less than a year. In December, ABC News owned by Disney settled a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump after anchor George Stephanopoulos falsely claimed Trump had been found liable for rape. ABC paid $15 million, also directed to Trump’s presidential library, and issued a public apology. In a separate case in January, Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, agreed to a $25 million payment to settle a lawsuit Trump filed after the company suspended his accounts following the January 6 Capitol riot. That suit accused Meta of politically motivated censorship and damage to his ability to communicate with supporters during the 2020 election fallout. Trump’s legal actions signal a broad campaign to challenge media institutions over their reporting, especially as he ramps up efforts for the 2024 presidential election. Media advocacy groups are watching closely, warning that Trump's use of state-level consumer protection laws could weaken press freedom protections, especially against claims of biased coverage by public figures. Trump has promised more lawsuits are coming. In December, he sued the Des Moines Register and its former pollster, claiming a poll showing Kamala Harris leading him in Iowa was intentionally misleading. The case was originally filed in federal court but refiled in Iowa state court in June after being dropped. These lawsuits come at a time when Trump remains a central figure in U.S. politics and is continuing to influence the media and legal landscape. With more settlements already finalized and others underway, Trump appears committed to holding media outlets legally accountable for coverage he sees as deceptive or defamatory.

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