In a surprising legal twist, Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former U.S. President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview that he claimed was misleading and defamatory. The settlement brings an end to a long-standing legal battle that has drawn widespread attention from both the media and political spheres.
The lawsuit, initially filed in 2021, stemmed from Trump’s appearance on the CBS flagship program 60 Minutes, hosted by journalist Lesley Stahl. Trump’s legal team alleged that the interview was heavily edited, framed in a biased manner, and portrayed him in a “false and damaging light.” The former president claimed the broadcast harmed his reputation and influenced public perception during a critical time in his political career.
Paramount, the parent company of CBS News, denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the multimillion-dollar settlement to avoid a prolonged courtroom battle. In a brief statement, the company emphasized its commitment to journalistic integrity while citing the need to move forward without further distractions.
Legal experts view the $16 million settlement as significant — not only for its size but for what it might signal in the media industry. “Settlements of this scale in defamation-related cases involving major networks are rare,” said one media law analyst. “It could have a chilling effect on how political interviews are edited and presented moving forward.”
Trump, on the other hand, declared the outcome as a “major win for truth and accountability in journalism.” In a statement released via his campaign, he called the interview a “hit job” and accused mainstream media outlets of orchestrating smear campaigns against him. He also hinted that more lawsuits may follow against other networks he believes treated him unfairly.
The 60 Minutes interview in question had drawn criticism at the time for its combative tone and abrupt ending after Trump walked out mid-session. While many praised the program for pressing tough questions, others said it crossed into biased territory.
This settlement now reignites the ongoing debate around media bias, political accountability, and freedom of the press — especially in an election season where narratives are everything.
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