Paramount Global and CBS News have reached a $30 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over his lawsuit alleging election interference related to a 2023 ’60 Minutes’ interview with Kamala Harris. The deal has triggered broad condemnation from media professionals and political commentators, with many accusing the networks of compromising their journalistic integrity and First Amendment rights in exchange for financial gain. Critics like Brian Stelter of CNN and David Enrich of The New York Times have called the settlement an unprecedented case of ‘presidential extortion,’ arguing that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for corporate media to pay off political figures to avoid legal or ethical scrutiny.
According to the terms of the settlement, Trump will receive $16 million upfront, with additional amounts possibly allocated for advertising, public service announcements, or other media support for conservative causes in the future. CBS has also agreed to update its editorial standards, implementing a mandatory new rule requiring the network to release full, unedited transcripts of future presidential candidates’ interviews. This provision, dubbed the