CBS Executives Face Scrutiny Over Reported $50M Trump Settlement Amid $20B Lawsuit, Merger Approval

Stephen Colbert publicly criticized his network CBS and its parent company Paramount for reportedly considering a $30 to $50 million settlement with Donald Trump to resolve a $20 billion lawsuit concerning a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. The lawsuit alleges election interference through deceptive editing, claims CBS denies and legal experts deem baseless. Paramount is reportedly seeking to settle the case to secure approval from the Trump-aligned FCC chair, Brendan Carr, for its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, as the FCC must approve CBS's broadcast license transfer. Colbert mocked the potential settlement as a bribe and highlighted warnings from Democratic senators, including Bernie Sanders, cautioning that such a payment could violate federal anti-bribery statutes. The controversy escalated following the resignation of CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon and 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens, who refused to apologize for the interview as part of any settlement. Colbert's satirical commentary underscored the ethical and legal concerns surrounding the settlement amid merger negotiations and political influence.