Donald Trump has rejected a $15 million offer from Paramount to settle a lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. Trump is demanding not just more money, but also a public apology. The case could impact Paramount’s big merger plans.
Trump Says “No Deal” to Paramount’s $15M Offer
Former President Donald Trump has rejected a $15 million settlement offer from Paramount Global in a lawsuit he filed over a controversial “60 Minutes” interview. The segment, which aired during the 2024 election season, featured then-Vice President Kamala Harris and allegedly favored her by using what Trump’s team calls “misleading editing.”
Trump wasn’t satisfied with the offer and is reportedly demanding more than $25 million. But money isn’t the only thing he wants. Trump and his legal team are also pushing for a public apology from CBS News, the network behind “60 Minutes.”
What’s the Lawsuit About?
According to Trump’s lawsuit, CBS used edited footage in the Harris interview that painted him in a negative light while boosting Harris’s image. The former president claims the broadcast was intentionally slanted to influence voters.
Trump’s lawyers argue that this kind of manipulation crossed the line and contributed to an unfair election environment. They say CBS owes both him and the American public an apology.
Behind the Scenes Drama at CBS
The fallout from this lawsuit is causing waves inside CBS News, too. The network’s CEO, Wendy McMahon, recently stepped down. Sources say she opposed settling with Trump if it meant offering a public apology, which may have played a role in her departure.
Inside the company, tensions are high. Some employees feel that giving in to Trump could damage CBS’s credibility, while others are worried about the financial risk of a prolonged legal fight.
Why It Matters for Paramount
This isn’t just a media drama; it could affect big business. Paramount is in the middle of a proposed $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, and this legal mess could delay or even derail that deal.
Investors are watching closely. Paramount’s stock has been shaky, and some worry that settling with Trump or continuing the fight could bring even more trouble.
A court-ordered mediation is expected soon. Meanwhile, Trump must respond to a request to throw out the lawsuit. All eyes are on what happens next and whether either side will back down.
