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Senator Bernie Sanders has taken aim at the Redstone family, accusing them of compromising press freedom and democracy for financial gain by securing the Trump administration’s approval for their merger.
In a recent statement, Sen. Sanders remarked:
The Redstone family’s decision, as key stakeholders of Paramount, to settle a dubious lawsuit initiated by President Trump over a 60 Minutes segment he found unflattering sets a perilous precedent for both the First Amendment and government coercion.
This capitulation by Paramount will likely embolden Trump to persist in his attacks on the media, which he has derisively dubbed “the enemy of the people.” Today marks a grim chapter for independent journalism and press freedom—cornerstones of our democracy. It is a triumph for a president intent on suppressing dissent and eroding the foundations of American democracy.
It’s no mystery why Paramount chose to acquiesce to Trump. The Redstone family stands to gain a staggering $2.4 billion from the sale of Paramount to Skydance, contingent upon receiving approval from the Trump administration. In essence, they have traded away press freedom for a lucrative payday of $2.4 billion.
Let there be no illusions. Trump is actively undermining our democracy and steering us toward authoritarianism, with billionaires—who prioritize their investment portfolios over democratic values—facilitating this slide into despotism. This situation is utterly unacceptable.
The current ideological battleground in our nation pits democracy against autocracy, with the affluent elite poised against the interests of the broader populace. These billionaires are prioritizing their personal gains over the welfare of the country, thereby jeopardizing democracy for their own ends.
The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” epitomizes a policy that facilitates the upward transfer of national wealth to the richest individuals.
Trump’s lawsuit was devoid of merit. In any prior era, Paramount would have vigorously contested such a claim, but the moral fabric of the country has been frayed by Trump’s influence. This scenario resembles bribery, with the American public and press freedom bearing the brunt of the consequences.
Do you share Sen. Sanders’ views? We encourage you to share your opinions in the comments below.
