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2d ago

Democratic Senators Urge Paramount to Reject Settlement in Trump Lawsuit

Lawmakers warn settling the $20 billion case could embolden attacks on press freedom as mediation continues during Paramount's Skydance merger talks.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn at the White House on April 3 in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • Nine Democratic senators, led by Bernie Sanders, sent a letter to Paramount's Shari Redstone urging the company not to settle Trump's lawsuit against CBS News over a '60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris.
  • The lawsuit alleges deceptive editing of the interview during the 2024 presidential campaign, with Trump seeking $20 billion in damages under Texas consumer-protection law.
  • Paramount is reportedly considering a settlement to facilitate FCC approval of its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, raising concerns about corporate influence on press independence.
  • Democratic lawmakers argue that settling would undermine the First Amendment and encourage further political attacks on media organizations.
  • The case has already led to internal turmoil, including the resignation of longtime '60 Minutes' executive producer Bill Owens, who cited compromised editorial independence.