CBS moved on Friday to dismiss Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit regarding the editing of Kamala Harris’ interview on “60 Minutes.” Trump had filed the lawsuit during the final days of the presidential campaign, alleging that the interview was deceptively edited to portray Harris in a more favorable light.
In its motion to dismiss, CBS argued that Trump’s claims do not constitute a legal basis for the lawsuit and that the First Amendment protects the network’s right to edit news interviews. CBS’s lawyers emphasized that editorial decisions, such as trimming responses for time constraints, are not subject to judicial review.
Trump had sued under the Texas consumer fraud statute, claiming that he and millions of others were deceived by the edited interview. However, CBS countered by stating that the law does not apply to news broadcasts and that Trump did not rely on the interview to his detriment.
The network also pointed out that Trump’s allegations of election interference are irrelevant, as he ultimately won the election. The lawsuit was filed in the Amarillo Division of the Northern District of Texas, where Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, presides.
CBS argued that the case should either be dismissed or transferred to the Southern District of New York, where the network is headquartered. Additionally, a conservative group, the Center for American Rights, lodged a complaint with the FCC regarding the Harris interview, which may impact the consideration of the Skydance merger with Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company.
Overall, CBS maintains that Trump’s lawsuit lacks merit and should be either dismissed or moved to a more appropriate jurisdiction. The network stands by its editorial decisions and asserts its First Amendment right to edit news content as it sees fit.
