WASHINGTON — July 2, 2025 — Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump regarding a CBS 60 Minutes interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Trump alleged the interview was deceptively edited to benefit his political opponent during the 2024 election.
The lawsuit, filed in Texas federal court in October 2024, accused CBS of presenting two different versions of Harris’s response to a question about U.S. policy on Israel, claiming one version was altered to protect her public image.
Terms of the Settlement
While Paramount will pay the agreed amount, the company clarified that the funds will be allocated to Trump’s future presidential library, not to him “directly or indirectly.” The settlement also includes legal fees but does not include an apology or admission of wrongdoing.
In addition, CBS News has agreed to release full transcripts of interviews with future presidential candidates as part of the settlement conditions.
Trump’s Legal Team Responds
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team called the outcome “a win for the American people,” stating the case held the media accountable for what they described as misleading coverage.
“CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle,” the spokesperson said.
CBS had earlier labeled the lawsuit as “completely without merit,” maintaining that any edits made to Harris’s interview were done for time, consistent with standard television practice.
Political and Corporate Backdrop
The timing of the settlement coincides with Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media, which is under review by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Because the FCC falls under executive oversight, Trump technically has influence over the deal’s approval, which may have contributed to settlement urgency.
Sources familiar with the talks indicate the month-long negotiations were mediated amid internal friction at CBS. Some executives reportedly resigned rather than apologize to Trump. There were also concerns over whether paying the president during active office could raise legal or ethical questions.
Background of the Case
The lawsuit initially sought $10 billion in damages, later raised to $20 billion. Trump’s legal team claimed CBS presented Harris’s remarks about U.S.–Israel relations differently in two separate broadcasts — Face the Nation and 60 Minutes — distorting the original context.
CBS maintained that both versions were based on the same interview and edited in line with news standards. Trump alleged this constituted election interference.
Broader Implications
The settlement follows a recent decision by ABC News to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump, further highlighting the president’s strategy of pursuing legal challenges against media outlets he accuses of bias or misrepresentation.
Critics argue that such lawsuits may have a chilling effect on press freedom, while supporters claim they hold media organizations accountable.
