Trump sues CBS for $20 billion over alleged election interference, rejecting a $15M settlement as CBS calls the case meritless.

Trump Sues CBS Over Edited Harris Interview

President Donald Trump has intensified his legal battle against CBS News and its parent company, Paramount Global, demanding $20 billion for what he describes as election interference. The lawsuit stems from the network’s editing of an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which aired shortly before the presidential election. Trump’s attorneys argue that the selective editing misrepresented Harris’s comments and intentionally shielded her from criticism at a critical moment in the campaign.

CBS has labeled the lawsuit “meritless,” even as the network reportedly offered Trump a $15 million settlement in hopes of avoiding a public trial. “CBS is up against the wall and is in the desperation zone. The last thing they want is for this case to go to trial,” a source close to Trump stated. Despite the ongoing mediation, both parties have continued to trade accusations in court filings and public statements.

“This is a meritless lawsuit,” CBS and Paramount attorneys wrote in a motion to dismiss, asserting that Trump’s opposition targets their editorial decisions and poses a “chilling effect” on First Amendment protections. CBS has asked the court to dismiss Trump’s amended complaint, arguing that the legal action is an attack on press freedom.

FCC Investigates Editing Controversy

The controversy originated from an October exchange between Harris and “60 Minutes” correspondent Bill Whitaker. Harris’s initial response to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aired in a preview clip on “Face the Nation” and was widely criticized as a “word salad.” However, a more concise answer was broadcast during the primetime special. Critics accused CBS of editing the interview to protect Harris from negative public reaction.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intervened earlier this year, ordering CBS to provide the unedited transcript amid an investigation into possible violations of the agency’s news distortion policy. When the full transcript was released, it showed both segments came from the same response, but CBS had aired them separately across different broadcasts. This editorial decision has fueled ongoing debate over media ethics and the potential impact on voter perceptions.

Media Turmoil and Corporate Stakes

The lawsuit’s high profile coincides with internal upheaval at CBS and its parent company. Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder currently battling thyroid cancer, has expressed support for a settlement with Trump but has recused herself from direct negotiations. Observers suggest a settlement could smooth the path for Paramount’s planned merger with Skydance Media, particularly as Trump’s FCC holds the authority to block or delay the deal.

As the legal standoff continues, Trump’s legal team remains adamant that CBS must be held accountable for what they allege was “the worst kind of election interference and fraud.” The outcome of this case could set new standards for media organizations and shape the regulatory landscape for years to come, especially regarding editorial decisions and their influence on elections.