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3w ago

California Senate Probes Paramount’s $15 Million Settlement Offer to Trump’s Campaign

California senators have summoned two ex-CBS executives to examine potential corporate misconduct linked to the proposed settlement

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Paramount Global logo is seen in this illustration taken December 17, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Senate Energy, Utilities & Communications and Judiciary committees opened an inquiry into Paramount’s offer to pay Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign $15 million to drop a lawsuit over an edited Kamala Harris interview.
  • Lawmakers are investigating whether Paramount’s board breached fiduciary duties or misused corporate funds in pursuing the settlement and if state anti-bribery or unfair competition laws were violated.
  • Committee chairs Josh Becker and Thomas Umberg have invited former 60 Minutes producer Bill Owens and ex-CBS News president Wendy McMahon to testify at upcoming hearings.
  • CBS staff and national Democrats condemned the settlement talks as a concession to political pressure that could undermine journalistic independence.
  • The Freedom of the Press Foundation warned it will file a shareholder derivative lawsuit against Paramount if the company finalizes any deal with Trump’s campaign.