President Trump Returns to '60 Minutes' Following Lawsuit Settlement
President Donald Trump returns to '60 Minutes' for his first interview since settling a lawsuit with CBS News, conducted by Norah O'Donnell.
Overview
- President Donald Trump returns to '60 Minutes' for an interview with Norah O'Donnell at Mar-a-Lago, marking his first appearance since settling a lawsuit with CBS News.
- President Trump's return follows a lawsuit he filed against CBS News, which was settled, with details on interview arrangements or ground rules largely undisclosed.
- Paramount reportedly paid President Trump $16 million to settle the case, occurring before the FCC approved their merger, which facilitated his return to the newsmagazine.
- The settlement and Trump's return coincide with Bill Owens' resignation as '60 Minutes' executive producer, citing an inability to run the program independently.
- President Trump previously walked out of a '60 Minutes' interview with Lesley Stahl before the 2020 election, citing bias, and declined 2024 campaign invitations.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Trump's "60 Minutes" return as a consequence of new Paramount leadership and a $16 million lawsuit settlement. They emphasize the resignation of the show's executive producer citing lost independence, and highlight new hires and editorial shifts, collectively suggesting a strategic realignment at CBS/Paramount influenced by Trump's interests.
"Trump has signaled friendlier relations with CBS News after the takeover of its parent company this summer by new Paramount CEO David Ellison, the son of wealthy supporter Larry Ellison."
Chicago Tribune"Trump has signaled friendlier relations with CBS News after the takeover of its parent company this summer by new Paramount CEO David Ellison, the son of wealthy supporter Larry Ellison."
Associated PressArticles (3)
Center (2)
FAQ
President Trump sued CBS News, alleging that the '60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris was selectively edited to make her appear more favorable, which he claimed was consumer deception and caused him mental anguish.
Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to settle the lawsuit, with the funds directed to President Trump's future presidential library, not to Trump personally. CBS did not issue an apology as part of the settlement.
The settlement coincided with Paramount's efforts to secure approval from the Trump administration for its proposed merger with Skydance Media, suggesting the settlement may have been influenced by regulatory considerations.
Bill Owens resigned as '60 Minutes' executive producer, citing an inability to run the program independently, which some observers linked to the controversy and settlement with President Trump.
President Trump's return marked his first interview with '60 Minutes' since settling the lawsuit, and it was seen as a notable event given his previous walkout and refusal to participate in the 2024 campaign interviews.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.