Senators Warn Paramount: Settling Trump’s $20B Lawsuit May Be Illegal Bribery

Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden have fired a warning shot at Paramount Global’s Shari Redstone, suggesting that settling President Donald Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News could violate federal bribery laws. The lawsuit, which Trump claims stems from election interference due to 60 Minutes editing an interview with Kamala Harris, is now in mediation. The senators’ letter, dripping with suspicion, hints that Paramount’s eagerness to settle might be a ploy to smooth over its massive merger with Skydance Media, potentially at the cost of journalistic integrity.

The trio points to Paramount’s sudden shift from dismissing Trump’s lawsuit as a First Amendment affront to cozying up for a deal. They’re not buying it, alleging this could be a quid pro quo to win favor with Trump’s FCC, which holds the merger’s fate. The lawmakers also highlight recent turmoil at CBS News, including the resignations of CEO Wendy McMahon and 60 Minutes producer Bill Owens, who both called out corporate meddling in content. Scott Pelley, a CBS veteran, even aired these grievances on live TV, noting Paramount’s tightening grip as merger talks intensify.

The senators are demanding answers by June 2, probing whether Paramount’s board discussed settlements or if 60 Minutes was pressured to tweak content to appease the Trump administration. If true, they argue, this could breach anti-bribery statutes. Paramount’s silence on the matter only fuels the fire, leaving the public to wonder if corporate interests are trumping editorial freedom.