Trump Wins $16M Settlement from CBS over Edited Harris Interview

President Donald Trump secured a $16 million settlement from Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, over a lawsuit accusing the network of deceptively editing a "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris to make her appear more intelligent during the presidential race. The settlement, which includes Trump's legal fees and funds allocated for his future presidential library, comes without an apology or admission of wrongdoing by CBS or Paramount. Trump alleged the editing concealed Harris's unclear responses, causing him emotional distress, while CBS maintained the edits were standard practice for timing and denied malicious intent. This legal victory is part of Trump's broader campaign against perceived media bias, following a similar settlement with ABC News, and reflects his leverage over major institutions amid his ongoing presidency. The dispute also coincides with Paramount's merger efforts with Skydance, with some executives believing the lawsuit obstructed the deal. Critics warn that Trump's actions could weaken journalistic freedom and have wider implications for media independence and free society.