Donald Trump is on the verge of securing yet another major media payout. The former president is reportedly close to a settlement with CBS after suing the network for $10 billion, claiming its “60 Minutes” program manipulated an interview with his opponent, Kameela Harris, before the election.
Trump’s Legal Winning Streak
This potential settlement follows Trump’s $15 million payout from ABC after anchor George Stephanopoulos falsely stated he was found “liable for rape.” He also secured $25 million from Meta after his Facebook account was suspended in 2021. Now, CBS may be next in line to settle.
According to sources, CBS is eager to avoid a drawn-out legal battle and is negotiating a deal before the scheduled court hearing.
Inside the High-Stakes Settlement Talks
A CBS insider revealed, “The question is only how much Trump will cash in. CBS is offering $10 million, while Trump is demanding at least $100 million. A deal is expected to land somewhere between $10 and $50 million unless Trump plays hardball.”
The lawsuit alleges CBS intentionally cut key portions of Harris’s interview to present her in a more favorable light, influencing voters just before the election. Legal experts have dismissed Trump’s claims as “far-fetched,” but CBS’s willingness to negotiate suggests the media giant wants to avoid a courtroom battle.
CBS Under Pressure Amid Merger Drama
Several factors are working in Trump’s favor.
CBS’s parent company, Paramount, is in the middle of a high-stakes merger with Skydance, owned by Larry Ellison, a Trump ally.
The Federal Communications Commission, now led by a Trump-appointed official, has requested CBS hand over the original Harris interview transcripts.
Paramount owner Shari Redstone, set to earn over $2 billion from the sale, reportedly wants to resolve the lawsuit immediately to prevent complications with the deal.
If CBS doesn’t settle, Trump allies could block the merger, putting billions at risk for Redstone and Ellison.
Media Backlash Looms
While CBS executives may be ready to settle, insiders warn of major fallout. Dozens of CBS News journalists have threatened to resign if the company pays Trump. The settlement could also set a dangerous precedent for press freedom, with critics warning it would be a historic blow to the First Amendment.
“CBS would win this case for sure,” said one media expert. “If they pay Trump millions instead, this could destroy independent journalism and send a chilling message to all news organizations.”
For now, CBS faces a tough choice: settle and move forward with its merger or risk a prolonged legal fight with Trump, whose influence over the FCC could complicate its business future.
