Paramount Global Pays $16M Settlement to Trump Over CBS Interview

Paramount Global and CBS News agreed to a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a lawsuit alleging deceptive editing of a '60 Minutes' interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which Trump claimed constituted election interference. The settlement aims to avoid prolonged litigation and is seen as facilitating Paramount's $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, pending regulatory approval from the Trump administration. The move has sparked intense backlash from journalists, media critics, and political figures who view the settlement as a capitulation to Trump and a dangerous precedent that undermines journalistic independence and freedom of the press. Trump’s legal team framed the settlement as a victory against “Fake News” media, while critics argue the lawsuit was frivolous and motivated by political leverage. CBS insiders and former journalists expressed dismay, suggesting the media’s deference to Trump damages their credibility and independence. The controversy highlights growing concerns about media companies’ ability to hold power accountable amid political and corporate pressures.