Tapper Criticizes CBS Owner Over Trump Lawsuit

CNN anchor Jake Tapper has criticized Shari Redstone, controlling shareholder of Paramount, for allegedly prioritizing a merger with Skydance Media over journalistic integrity by seeking to settle a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS. The lawsuit accuses '60 Minutes' of editing an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris to favor her 2024 campaign, a claim CBS denies and many legal experts dismiss as baseless. Tapper and '60 Minutes' sources argue Redstone's willingness to settle is driven by a need for regulatory approval from Trump-appointed FCC officials to facilitate the merger. The controversy led to the resignation of '60 Minutes' executive producer Bill Owens, who cited loss of editorial independence. Critics warn this signals an erosion of news integrity due to political and financial pressures. The episode has raised concerns about the future editorial independence of '60 Minutes.'