Paramount Global and CBS settled President Donald Trump's $20 billion election interference lawsuit for an eight-figure sum, including $16 million for his future presidential library and an additional eight-figure allocation for conservative causes. The settlement, widely seen as meritless but reportedly pushed by controlling shareholder Shari Redstone to facilitate a merger with Skydance Media, has caused widespread outrage among legal experts, journalists, and Democratic lawmakers who view it as a dangerous precedent for press freedom and potential government extortion.
CBS parent company sparks massive outrage with Trump lawsuit settlement
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Paramount Global and CBS settled President Donald Trump's $20 billion election interference lawsuit for an eight-figure sum, including $16 million for his future presidential library and an additional eight-figure allocation for conservative causes. The settlement, widely seen as meritless but reportedly pushed by controlling shareholder Shari Redstone to facilitate a merger with Skydance Media, has caused widespread outrage among legal experts, journalists, and Democratic lawmakers who view it as a dangerous precedent for press freedom and potential government extortion.
Trending- 1 Last year (unspecified): '60 Minutes' interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
- 2 February (unspecified year, likely 2025): Shari Redstone recused herself from settlement negotiations.
- 3 Tuesday (unspecified date, likely July 1 or 2, 2025): Paramount Global and CBS agreed to settle Trump's lawsuit.
- 4 December (unspecified year): ABC settled a defamation lawsuit with then-President-elect Trump for $15 million.
- 5 July 7, 2025: Article published.
- Paramount Global and CBS made a significant financial payment to Donald Trump.
- Widespread outrage and criticism from media watchdogs, legal experts, and Democratic lawmakers, who view it as a capitulation and a threat to press freedom.
- Concerns that the settlement sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening politicians to use lawsuits and regulatory pressure to silence independent journalism.
- CBS News agreed to update its editorial standards to mandate full, unedited transcripts of interviews with future presidential candidates.
- Potential for shareholder action against Paramount directors by groups like FPF.
What: Paramount Global and CBS settled President Donald Trump's $20 billion election interference lawsuit for an eight-figure sum, including $16 million for his future presidential library and an additional eight-figure allocation for advertisements supporting conservative causes. The lawsuit alleged CBS News deceitfully edited a '60 Minutes' interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
When: Paramount Global and CBS agreed to settle the lawsuit on Tuesday (unspecified date, likely July 1 or 2, 2025). The '60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris occurred last year. Shari Redstone recused herself from settlement negotiations in February. ABC also settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump in December. The article was published on July 7, 2025.
Where: United States (referring to U.S. media, legal, and political communities).
Why: Paramount Global settled the lawsuit, despite its perceived lack of merit by many, reportedly to facilitate a long-planned merger with David Ellison’s Skydance Media, with controlling shareholder Shari Redstone pushing for the settlement. Critics argue it's a 'bribe' and sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom, encouraging politicians to weaponize lawsuits and regulatory pressure.
How: Paramount Global and CBS agreed to an eight-figure financial settlement with Donald Trump. As part of the agreement, CBS News did not admit wrongdoing or issue an apology but agreed to update its editorial standards by mandating the release of full, unedited transcripts of interviews with future presidential candidates.