Trump’s CBS Lawsuit Sparks Media Outrage, Potential Settlement Talks

NEW YORK — Journalists at CBS News and beyond are raising alarms over reports that Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, is considering settling a controversial lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit stems from a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris last October, which Trump claims was unfairly edited to favor his political opponent.

Trump filed the lawsuit in November 2024, alleging that CBS violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by airing two different versions of Harris’s response to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. CBS defended its editing, stating it was necessary for time constraints and did not alter the substance of Harris’s answers. Legal experts widely dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous, citing First Amendment protections for editorial decisions.

However, reports surfaced Thursday night that Paramount Global is negotiating a settlement with Trump, sparking outrage within CBS’s newsroom. “Trump’s lawsuit was a joke, but if we settle, we become the laughingstock,” a CBS correspondent said on condition of anonymity.

Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Edward Paltzik, argued that the lawsuit seeks “real accountability” for CBS and Paramount. Meanwhile, Paramount has declined to comment on the settlement talks. The potential deal has raised concerns about the implications for press freedom and the independence of media organizations.

The lawsuit has taken on new significance since Trump’s reelection in November 2024. Paramount Global is seeking regulatory approval from the Trump administration for its pending merger with Skydance Media, a deal that requires Federal Communications Commission (FCC) clearance. FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, has already initiated an inquiry into the “60 Minutes” interview, requesting unedited transcripts and tapes.

Critics argue that settling with Trump could set a dangerous precedent. “If CBS caves, the belief that we have an independent media protected by the First Amendment is undermined,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders. Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, called the potential settlement a “bribe” to secure regulatory approval.

CBS has maintained that its editing practices are standard for broadcast journalism. “Editing is a necessity for all broadcasters to enable them to present the news in the time available,” said Gayle C. Sproul, CBS News senior VP for legal affairs. The network has also complied with the FCC’s request for materials, stating it is “legally compelled” to do so.

Trump’s history of legal battles with media companies adds another layer of complexity. In 2024, ABC agreed to pay $15 million to Trump’s presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit. Similarly, Meta settled a lawsuit with Trump for $22 million earlier this year. Critics fear that a settlement with CBS could embolden further legal challenges against media organizations.

The case has drawn widespread attention from press freedom advocates and journalists, who view it as a test of the media’s ability to withstand political pressure. As the situation unfolds, the outcome could have lasting implications for the relationship between the press and political power in the United States.