Paramount pays Trump $16 million to settle a "60 Minutes" suit
With Paramount's merger awaiting the administration's approval, the company pays $16 million to settle Trump's "60 Minutes" lawsuit—paid to his future presidential library, with no apology—a major broadcaster buying peace with the president over an editorial decision.
What happened
Paramount settled Trump's lawsuit over a CBS "60 Minutes" segment for $16 million, directed toward his future presidential library, with no apology—a major broadcaster paying the sitting president over an editorial decision at a moment it needed federal signoff for a merger.
Why it matters
It establishes that critical coverage can be made to cost money when the government holds leverage over a news company's business.