President Donald Trump has launched a $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News, Paramount Global, and "60 Minutes," accusing them of manipulating an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris to mislead voters during the 2024 presidential election. Trump alleges that the network's deceptive editing constitutes a "giant fraud" against the American people and has vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
In a detailed post on Truth Social, President Trump accused "60 Minutes" of deliberately editing an interview with Kamala Harris to conceal her incoherent response to a critical question. According to Trump, Harris's original answer was so damaging that it could have cost her votes. He claims the network replaced her response with a more favorable one from a different question, effectively deceiving the public.
Trump's lawsuit seeks $20 billion in damages, asserting that the network's actions amounted to unlawful election interference.
CBS News has denied the allegations, stating that the interview was edited for clarity and time constraints, not to mislead viewers. The network maintains that the editing choices were standard practice and that the lawsuit is without merit.
Despite CBS's defense, the case has garnered significant attention, with mediation discussions reportedly underway. Paramount Global, CBS's parent company, is said to be considering a settlement, which could have implications for its pending merger with Skydance Media.
This lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about media bias and the influence of major news organizations on public perception during elections. Trump's legal action underscores the need for transparency and accountability in journalism, especially when it comes to reporting on political figures.
By taking a stand against what he perceives as deliberate misinformation, Trump is challenging the media establishment and advocating for the integrity of the electoral process.