Paramount Settles $16 Million Lawsuit with Trump Over CBS Interview

In a significant legal settlement, CBS parent company Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from an October 2023 interview aired on the network's renowned program, 60 Minutes, featuring then-Vice President Kamala Harris. This settlement marks yet another instance of media companies acquiescing to Trump's ongoing litigation against news outlets, which he frequently accuses of bias.

The $16 million will be allocated to fund Trump's future presidential library, rather than being paid directly to him. Paramount clarified that the settlement does not include any statement of apology or regret, a detail emphasized in their official announcement. "The settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret," said the company in a statement released on July 2, 2025.

Trump’s legal action began in October when he filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS, claiming that the network had deceptively edited the interview to favor the Democratic Party in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Following an amended complaint in February, Trump increased his damages claim to $20 billion. He alleged that CBS aired two versions of the interview, in which Harris appeared to provide conflicting answers regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, contributing to a narrative he argues was detrimental to his campaign.

Despite the lawsuit, CBS had previously asserted that the claims were "completely without merit" and had sought to have the case dismissed by the court. The White House did not respond to requests for comments regarding the settlement.

Edward A. Paltzik, one of Trump's attorneys in the civil suit, could not be reached for immediate comment. As part of the settlement, Paramount also agreed to release transcripts of interviews with future U.S. presidential candidates following their air dates, subject to necessary legal redactions for privacy and national security.

The mediation process for this case commenced in April, highlighting the complexities of Trump's ongoing legal battles with media organizations. Trump has consistently targeted news outlets over what he perceives as unfavorable coverage, categorizing it as "fake news." This settlement aligns with a broader trend, as media companies seem to be increasingly willing to negotiate with Trump to avoid protracted legal disputes.

Furthermore, this settlement coincides with Paramount's preparations for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which will require approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Trump's threats to revoke CBS's broadcasting license if he were to be re-elected have added pressure on the network.

This settlement follows similar legal resolutions involving Trump and other media platforms, including a recent agreement with ABC News, where the network settled a defamation case by donating $15 million to Trump’s presidential library and issuing a public apology. Additionally, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, settled a lawsuit with Trump, agreeing to pay approximately $25 million over the suspension of his accounts following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

As Trump continues to pursue legal action against various media entities, this case underscores the ongoing tensions between political figures and the press, raising questions about the implications for journalistic integrity and freedom of expression in the U.S. landscape. Looking ahead, the outcome of these legal battles may significantly shape the interaction between media companies and political figures, particularly as the 2024 presidential election approaches.