A mediator is proposing that CBS News settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over his allegations that "60 Minutes" strategically edited an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris to make her seem smarter.
The potential $20 million package would include a donation, legal fees and a "public service announcement on Paramount-owned networks to fight antisemitism," the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The settlement includes a $17 million donation to Trump’s presidential foundation or museum, according to the report.
David Ellison, CEO of Skydance Media, wants to merge it with Paramount Global, which oversees CBS News. Ellison is the son of tech billionaire and Trump supporter Larry Ellison. Such a merger would require a sign-off by the Federal Communications Commission.
Trump has championed the younger Ellison and the Skydance merger, according to the Radio and Television Business Report, which was reported in June.
Despite the possible merger, Paramount/CBS isn't prepared to apologize to Trump, something that the president has requested, according to sources who spoke to the Journal. However, it couldn't be confirmed whether Trump is seeking such a statement.
"Over the past few months, Paramount leaders have been wrestling with how to pay to settle the lawsuit without exposing directors and officers to liability in potential future shareholder litigation ..." wrote the Journal. "By settling within the range of what other companies have paid to end litigation with Trump, some Paramount executives have said they hope to minimize such liability, people familiar with the matter said."
In May, Paramount offered Trump $15 million in a settlement, but he wanted more.
