CBS Faces Internal Backlash As Paramount Considers Settlement In Trump Lawsuit

Paramount Global is in discussions to settle a $10 billion lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump over alleged deceptive editing of an interview featuring Kamala Harris. Trump’s lawsuit argues that CBS altered Harris’ remarks in a 60 Minutes segment to mislead the public ahead of the 2024 election.

Trump’s legal team claims that Harris’ original response was substituted with a completely different answer when the interview later aired on Face the Nation. CBS has defended its editorial decisions, saying the network did not misrepresent Harris, but Trump’s attorneys argue the changes were politically motivated.

Paramount chairwoman Shari Redstone is reportedly pushing for a settlement as the company moves forward with a potential merger with Skydance Media. The deal requires FCC approval, and resolving the lawsuit could help remove obstacles in the regulatory process. Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed FCC chairman, has already requested unedited transcripts and footage from the Harris interview as part of an inquiry into the case.

CBS News staff have reacted strongly against reports of settlement discussions, with many journalists and executives viewing it as a concession to political pressure. 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens and CBS News president Wendy McMahon are among those said to be opposed to a payout, fearing it could harm the network’s credibility.

While legal experts consider Trump’s case weak, Paramount is weighing the risks of prolonged litigation. Other media companies, including Disney and Meta, have previously settled lawsuits with Trump, opting to resolve disputes through financial agreements rather than drawn-out court battles.

With the FCC examining CBS’ handling of the Harris interview and Paramount’s corporate future at stake, the outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for media organizations navigating political and regulatory challenges.