Donald Trump’s legal team recently filed a response in his ongoing $20 billion lawsuit against CBS, as settlement negotiations proceed between CBS parent company Paramount Global and Trump’s representatives. The lawsuit stems from allegations that 60 Minutes deceptively edited an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, broadcast during an election special in October.
Background of the Lawsuit
Trump claims that a preview of Harris’s interview aired on Face the Nation presented a different answer about Israel-Gaza compared to the 60 Minutes broadcast, which he alleges was intended to boost Harris’s electoral prospects. His amended lawsuit cites violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the federal Lanham Act, typically used against false advertising.
The lawsuit argues that the alleged deceptive editing diverted traffic away from Trump’s media platforms, including Truth Social, harming his media business interests.
CBS Response and Legal Arguments
CBS has moved to dismiss the case, asserting that the interview is protected news content under the First Amendment and not commercial speech. The network maintains the edits were made for time constraints and denies any deception.
In response, Trump’s lawyers contend that the First Amendment should not shield news distortion and that the alleged false advertising misled viewers, reducing attention to Trump’s platforms while increasing CBS’s engagement and ad revenue.
Settlement Talks and Strategic Context
Sources report an opening settlement offer in the eight-figure range has been made to Trump, but talks remain in early stages. Paramount Global is reportedly keen on resolving the lawsuit as it seeks approval for its merger with Skydance Media.
Venue and Judicial Background
Trump’s legal team insists the Texas court is the proper venue, countering CBS’s claim of forum shopping by adding Texas Representative Ronny Jackson as a plaintiff. The case is overseen by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee known for his conservative rulings.
The Interview Controversy
The controversy centers on Harris’s answer to why Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu wasn’t heeding the Biden administration’s advice. The Face the Nation preview and the 60 Minutes broadcast split her response, sparking Trump’s claim that the edits altered the message deceptively.
Expert and Public Reaction
Legal experts largely view the lawsuit as lacking merit. Former CBS anchor Katie Couric dismissed it as baseless in a recent interview.
