US senators warn Paramounts Shari Redstone that settling Trumps CBS lawsuit could be bribery

Paramount Global is facing fresh heat from Capitol Hill over its talks to settle a $20 billion defamation lawsuit brought by President Trump against CBS News — with three left-leaning US senators warning that a deal could potentially violate US anti-bribery laws.In a letter sent Tuesday night to Paramount Chair Shari Redstone, Sens.Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) warned that Paramount “may be engaging in improper conduct involving the Trump administration in exchange for approval of its merger with Skydance Media.”The letter and its contents were first reported by the Wall Street Journal.The lawmakers are seeking detailed information about any concessions discussed with Trump, as well as any internal decisions to alter CBS programming — especially related to “60 Minutes,” the network’s flagship investigative news show.The lawsuit stems from a 2024 “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which Trump claims was deceptively edited to favor her during the campaign.

CBS has vigorously denied the accusation, calling the suit “completely without merit.”“The American people deserve to know whether media companies are negotiating with public officials in ways that compromise journalistic independence,” the senators wrote.“Such actions could amount to a violation of federal law.”The timing of the lawsuit is critical.Paramount is seeking regulatory clearance for its proposed $8 billion merger with Skydance Media.Redstone, chair of Paramount Global — CBS’s parent company — stands to personally gain roughly $2 billion if the proposed merger with Skydance Media goes through.The Federal Communications Commission, which must approve the deal, is currently chaired by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, raising concerns within the company that the lawsuit could jeopardize the merger unless resolved.Paramount has denied any link between the litigation and the merger’s approval process.Wh...