Overview

• Paramount Global and CBS agreed to pay President Trump $16 million to resolve his $20 billion election-interference lawsuit, directing the funds to his future presidential library and legal fees without admitting fault.
• Under the settlement, 60 Minutes must release full, unedited transcripts of future interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after they air, subject to legal or national security redactions.
• Reports of a separate $15 million–$20 million public service advertising side deal with incoming Skydance leadership have been denied by Paramount, fueling debate over corporate influence on editorial judgment.
• The settlement coincides with Paramount’s effort to secure FCC approval for its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, prompting scrutiny under anti-bribery and news-distortion policies.
• Legal experts, journalism advocates and CBS staff warn the agreement risks chilling investigative reporting and empowers litigation as a tool to pressure news organizations.