California Senate Investigates Potential Bribery in Trump–Paramount 60 Minutes Lawsuit Settlement

In a dramatic escalation of the Donald Trump–Paramount lawsuit saga, the California State Senate has launched an official inquiry into whether bribery or unfair competition laws are being violated amid reports that Paramount Global may settle with Trump to ease regulatory approval for its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media.

Lesley Stahl Predicts Settlement, But Fallout Looms

Veteran 60 Minutes journalist Lesley Stahl recently declared she expects Paramount to pay off Trump to end his $20 billion lawsuit over a 2023 60 Minutes segment. While the lawsuit is widely regarded as meritless, Stahl expressed dread about the implications of a settlement, hinting that press freedom may be compromised in exchange for business interests.

State Senate Letter Warns of Legal Ramifications

On Friday, California Senators Josh Becker and Thomas J. Umberg—chairs of the Senate Energy, Utilities & Communications Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee—sent a formal letter to:

• Former 60 Minutes Executive Producer Bill Owens

• Ex-CBS News chief Wendy McMahon

• The Paramount Global board

• California Attorney General

The letter raised alarms about the editorial pressure that led to Owens and McMahon’s recent resignations and announced the beginning of a legislative probe. The senators warned of potential violations of California bribery and competition statutes if Paramount’s settlement with Trump is linked to facilitating the Skydance merger.

“This hearing will mark the beginning of our inquiry,” wrote the senators, emphasizing their subpoena power and urging Owens and McMahon to testify.

Fallout Inside CBS News

Sources say both Owens and McMahon resisted pressure from Paramount executives and board chair Shari Redstone to soften coverage of Trump and reach a settlement. Their resignations are widely seen as a direct result of this resistance.

“Perhaps even more concerning is the potential chilling effect of Paramount’s settlement on investigative and political journalism,” wrote the senators.
“It would damage public trust… and undermine two essential pillars of democracy: a free press and a rule-of-law regulatory system.”

Eight-Figure Deal Rejected by Trump

According to Deadline and The Wall Street Journal, Paramount recently offered Trump a settlement in the $15 million range, which he rejected. Insiders say Trump is holding out for more—potentially leveraging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) review of the merger.

Notably, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, a Trump loyalist, initially stated the lawsuit could impact the merger but later walked that back—an about-face many view as disingenuous.

Lawsuit Based on Dubious Claims

Trump’s lawsuit, filed in Texas under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, claims he suffered “mental anguish” due to editing choices in a 60 Minutes interview featuring Kamala Harris. Legal experts widely agree the lawsuit lacks credibility, but Trump has a history of leveraging litigation to extract concessions from media companies.

Senators Warren, Sanders, Wyden Issue Federal Warning

Earlier this month, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden warned Redstone that a settlement with Trump could violate federal bribery laws. Despite the warning, Paramount proceeded with a settlement offer.

What’s Next?

While the California Senate inquiry may not stop the Paramount–Skydance deal, it is certain to make the process politically and reputationally painful for both parties. The investigation underscores growing concerns over the erosion of press freedom in the face of corporate consolidation and political intimidation.