Settlement Talks in Trump’s Lawsuit Against CBS
Attorneys representing President Trump in his $20 billion lawsuit against CBS over the allegedly deceptive editing of a “60 Minutes” segment have requested an extension of court deadlines. This request comes as the parties are engaged in active settlement discussions, according to reports from various news outlets.
In a filing made in Texas federal court, lawyers for Trump, co-plaintiff Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas, and attorneys for Paramount Global have requested an extension to court deadlines due to ongoing settlement talks. The parties are actively engaged in mediation to resolve the dispute.
While the parties are seeking an extension for court deadlines, they are not looking to extend any deadlines regarding pending motions to dismiss. Defendants are expected to file their reply on or before June 23, 2025, as stated in the filing.
Reports suggest that Paramount is willing to pay millions of dollars to settle Trump’s lawsuit. The media conglomerate offered $15 million, which was rejected by Trump. His lawyers are seeking at least $25 million and an apology from “60 Minutes.” Additionally, Trump’s legal team has threatened another lawsuit against CBS over its news coverage amid the settlement negotiations.
Trump filed the lawsuit against CBS just days before the 2024 presidential election, alleging that a “60 Minutes” interview with then-VP Kamala Harris violated a Texas consumer protection law. The initial damages sought were $10 billion, which was later increased to at least $20 billion.
In a motion to dismiss Trump’s suit, Paramount called the legal action “an affront to the First Amendment” and without basis in law or fact. CBS News maintains that the broadcast and promotion of the Harris interview was not doctored or deceitful.
Opposing Paramount’s motion to dismiss, Trump’s lawyers claimed that the editing of the Harris interview by “60 Minutes” led to confusion and mental anguish among consumers, including Trump. They argue that CBS’s conduct, including news distortion, constituted commercial speech that damaged the plaintiffs.
