Paramount settles Trump lawsuit for $16 million amid merger push
Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit with President Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump originally sought $10 billion in damages — later raised to $20 billion — alleging the interview was deceptively edited in favor of the Democratic Party and constituted “election interference.”
The $16 million payout covers Trump’s legal fees, with the remainder going to his future presidential library. Paramount will also release transcripts of future “60 Minutes” interviews with presidential candidates. No apology or statement of regret was included in the settlement.
The settlement comes as Paramount seeks to complete an $8 billion merger with Hollywood studio Skydance, which requires approval from the Trump administration. Yet Paramount on Tuesday said the lawsuit is “completely separate from, and unrelated to” the deal.
Paramount shares were modestly higher in premarket trading, up 1%, building on a 2% rise yesterday and a 10% gain over the last month.
The $16 million payout covers Trump’s legal fees, with the remainder going to his future presidential library. Paramount will also release transcripts of future “60 Minutes” interviews with presidential candidates. No apology or statement of regret was included in the settlement.
The settlement comes as Paramount seeks to complete an $8 billion merger with Hollywood studio Skydance, which requires approval from the Trump administration. Yet Paramount on Tuesday said the lawsuit is “completely separate from, and unrelated to” the deal.
Paramount shares were modestly higher in premarket trading, up 1%, building on a 2% rise yesterday and a 10% gain over the last month.
