Trump and CBS News Enter Mediation for $20 Billion Lawsuit

NEW YORK, NY — Lawyers representing President Donald Trump and CBS News have agreed on a mediator to facilitate settlement negotiations in a $20 billion lawsuit related to a controversial interview aired on the network’s ’60 Minutes’ program. According to a report from The New York Times on April 7, the mediation will commence in the coming days, as the Texas federal court mandates that all mediation processes be completed by December 20, 2025.

Trump’s lawsuit asserts that CBS deceived viewers by editing an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris in a manner designed to misrepresent her comments. This lawsuit was filed just days before the November 2024 presidential election, alleging that CBS violated Texas consumer protection laws. Additionally, it claims breaches under the federal Lanham Act, which governs advertising and promotional practices.

In response to Trump’s lawsuit, CBS News has argued that the lawsuit is an “affront to the First Amendment” and has asked the court to dismiss the case, asserting that consumer fraud laws do not apply to editorial speech. A company representative stated, “The lawsuit is completely separate and unrelated to our ongoing merger discussions with Skydance Media.”

The mediation comes amid a backdrop of complications surrounding CBS’s planned merger with Skydance Media, a deal which has encountered regulatory scrutiny, including a probe by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is evaluating allegations from Trump’s initial complaint regarding news distortion. The commission has already demanded CBS turn over all related materials, including interview transcripts and unedited video footage from the Harris segment.

Lawyers involved in the case moved towards mediation two months ago amidst internal divisions within CBS News regarding how to handle the lawsuit. Some employees of ’60 Minutes’ feel their program was not at fault for the edited segment, with one staffer remarking that the program’s integrity should not be compromised by external pressures.

Despite the internal tensions, Trump’s legal representation, including attorney Ed Paltzik, has maintained its commitment to pursue the case. Paltzik was quoted saying, “President Trump will pursue this vital matter to its just and rightful conclusion.” CBS recently asserted that they will fully comply with the legal process as they defend against the lawsuit.

As the mediation period commences, anticipation grows around the potential outcomes. With the merger deadline extended by 90 days in light of ongoing legal challenges, both Trump and CBS are looking to resolve matters swiftly. It’s noted that failure to finalize the agreement by the extended deadline could lead to further complications.