DEFIANT Trump Challenges Media Over Vicious Hit Piece

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President Trump’s legal team has intensified their battle against CBS News by threatening a new defamation lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” segment that likened him to a “mob boss,” as the media giant already faces a staggering $20 billion lawsuit for alleged election interference.

Key Takeaways

  • Trump’s legal team is threatening a new defamation lawsuit against CBS News and Paramount over a “60 Minutes” segment comparing him to a “mob boss”
  • The President is already suing CBS for $20 billion over a pre-election Kamala Harris interview, claiming it constituted election interference
  • CBS News is experiencing significant internal turmoil with high-profile resignations, including “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens and CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon
  • Paramount chairwoman Shari Redstone is reportedly pushing for a settlement with Trump to facilitate an $8 billion merger with Skydance that requires FCC approval
  • The controversy highlights the growing tension between media organizations and political accountability in an era of increased defamation litigation

Escalating Legal Battle Between Trump and CBS

President Trump’s attorneys are preparing to escalate their legal fight against CBS News and its parent company Paramount with a new defamation claim. The dispute centers on a recent “60 Minutes” segment that Trump’s legal team claims defamed him by comparing him to a “mob boss” and criticizing his executive orders addressing what his administration describes as unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the legal profession. The timing of the segment has particularly angered Trump’s team, as it aired during ongoing settlement negotiations for an existing lawsuit.

Trump attorney Ed Paltzik made the administration’s position clear. During ongoing settlement talks, CBS News and Paramount aired a new, defamatory 60 Minutes segment regarding President Trump’s legitimate and necessary executive orders addressing unlawful activity in the legal profession, including election interference and employment discrimination. The attorney added CBS and Paramount’s attempts to subvert the legal process with lies and smears may necessitate additional corrective legal action, which President Trump reserves the right to pursue.

The $20 Billion Lawsuit Already in Play

The threatened new legal action would add to President Trump’s existing lawsuit against CBS, filed in November for what he termed “election and voter interference.” That suit, initially seeking $10 billion in damages but since increased to $20 billion, stemmed from a pre-election interview with Kamala Harris. The lawsuit has already caused significant upheaval at CBS News, with the departure of key executives including Bill Owens, the longtime executive producer of “60 Minutes,” and Wendy McMahon, who was forced out as president and CEO of CBS News.

It’s become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward, McMahon stated upon her departure, reportedly refusing to support an apology to Trump as part of settlement negotiations. According to industry reports, McMahon’s opposition to apologizing to the President represented a red line that she would not cross.

Corporate Interests vs. Journalistic Integrity

The controversy extends beyond the legal battle to expose tensions between corporate interests and journalistic principles. Paramount chairwoman Shari Redstone is reportedly pushing aggressively for a settlement with Trump to facilitate an $8 billion merger between Paramount and Skydance. This merger requires FCC approval, creating a situation where corporate leadership may be prioritizing business interests over defending the network’s journalism. Media critic Oliver Darcy noted that Redstone “has turned CBS News into collateral in a merger fight.”

Meanwhile, “60 Minutes” host Scott Pelley has taken a strong stance against what he perceives as attacks on journalism. Why attack universities? Why attack journalism? Because ignorance works for power. First, make the truth-seekers live in fear. They can make criminals heroes and heroes criminals. Power can change the definition of the words we use to describe reality. ‘Diversity’ is now described as ‘illegal.’ ‘Equity’ is to be shunned. ‘Inclusion’ is a dirty word.

What’s Next for “60 Minutes” and CBS

As settlement talks continue, the immediate future of “60 Minutes” appears uncertain. The show has gone on hiatus until September, conveniently aligning with Paramount’s settlement timeline. A planned segment investigating President Trump’s IRS firings was pulled from the season finale, with producers citing the need for additional reporting. The timing has raised questions about whether corporate interference played a role in the editorial decision. CBS has declined to comment on either the settlement negotiations or the threatened new lawsuit.

For President Trump, these legal actions represent a broader effort to hold media organizations accountable for what his administration views as biased and defamatory coverage. For CBS and the journalism community, the situation highlights the increasing challenges of reporting on political figures in an era when defamation lawsuits have become a common response to critical coverage. As the battle continues, both the financial future of CBS’s parent company and the editorial independence of one of television’s most respected news programs hang in the balance.

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