CBS News and Paramount Global will be forced to pay President Donald Trump at least $16 million following a major settlement on Tuesday in Trump’s election interference lawsuit, which was filed following the release of an edited interview of former Vice President Kamala Harris on CBS News.
According to Fox News, under the settlement that CBS News and Paramount Global agreed to on Tuesday, Trump will receive an upfront payment of $16 million; however, the full settlement could exceed $30 million. The outlet noted that the upfront payment will cover the president’s legal fees and any costs associated with the case and will include contributions to Trump’s anticipated presidential library or various charities determined by the president.
Fox News reported that CBS News and Paramount could also be required to pay millions of dollars more in future advertisements and public service announcements supporting conservative causes.
In a statement obtained by CNN, Paramount said, “The settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret.”
“The settlement will include a release of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action,” Paramount added.
READ MORE: Videos: CBS releases two different versions of Kamala Harris’ ’60 Minutes’ interview
According to Fox News, sources familiar with the settlement confirmed that CBS News agreed to change its editorial standards to create a mandatory rule that will require the news outlet to quickly release full and unedited transcripts of interviews featuring future presidential candidates. Sources told Fox News that CBS News’ new rule has been described as the “Trump Rule.”
In a statement to Fox News, a spokesperson for the president’s legal team said, “With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit.”
“CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle,” the spokesperson added. “President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again.”
According to Fox News, Trump initially filed a $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News and accused the news outlet of interfering in the 2024 presidential election by deceitfully editing a “60 Minutes” interview featuring Harris.
Prior to the release of the interview, CBS shared a lengthy answer by Kamala Harris regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alleged reluctance to listen to the advice of the Biden administration in a segment on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” However, after the former vice president was mocked by the Trump campaign for responding with a “word salad” answer, CBS News released a different clip as part of the full interview on “60 Minutes.”
A video contrasting the two different interview clips released by CBS News was previously shared on X, formerly Twitter.
