In a stunning development on June 9, 2025, President Donald Trump rejected CBS News’ latest settlement offer in his $20 billion lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris, but with an unexpected twist that has left media and legal circles reeling. Sources close to the negotiations, as reported by Reuters, confirm that CBS, under parent company Paramount Global, recently upped its offer to $20 million, a significant increase from the previously rejected $15 million. However, Trump’s response was not just a refusal—he demanded $50 million, a public apology from CBS, and, in a shocking move, called for the resignation of “60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley, citing Pelley’s recent public criticism of a potential settlement as “very damaging” to CBS’ reputation.
Trump’s lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024 for $10 billion and later amended to $20 billion, alleges that “60 Minutes” deceptively edited Harris’ interview to bolster her image during the presidential campaign, causing Trump “mental anguish.” Legal experts, including those cited in Variety, dismiss the suit as meritless, noting that CBS’ editing practices were standard for television news. Despite this, Trump’s legal team, leveraging his administration’s influence over Paramount’s pending $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, has pushed for a hefty payout. Posts on X from users like @RealMacReport reflect public sentiment, with some praising Trump’s hardline stance as a blow against “fake news.”
The demand for Pelley’s resignation has sparked outrage among journalists. Pelley, who warned on CNN that settling with Trump would harm CBS’ credibility, has become a focal point of Trump’s ire. California Senators Thomas Umberg and Josh Becker, probing Paramount’s settlement talks, called the move a “blatant attack on press freedom,” per MSNBC. They argue that any settlement could violate anti-bribery laws, given Paramount’s need for FCC approval for its merger. Meanwhile, Paramount’s internal turmoil continues, with the resignations of CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon and “60 Minutes” producer Bill Owens, both of whom opposed settling, signaling corporate pressure to appease Trump.
This escalation raises the stakes in an already contentious legal battle, with Trump’s demands threatening to reshape the media landscape. As mediation continues, the outcome could set a dangerous precedent for journalistic independence.
