Trump Intensifies Legal Battle Against CBS Over ’60 Minutes’ Interview Allegations

FIRST ON FOX: President Donald Trump’s legal team is amplifying its demands on CBS and its parent company Paramount Global, submitting a substantial request for 107 distinct forms of communication.

Trump’s lawsuit against CBS seeks a staggering $20 billion, accusing the network of election interference related to its handling of a controversial segment on ’60 Minutes.’ The former president argues that CBS supported his political rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, by employing misleading editing just weeks before the crucial presidential election.

This conflict began when Harris faced ridicule for her convoluted response during an interview preview with CBS correspondent Bill Whitaker, which aired on ‘Face the Nation.’ Following the preview, CBS broadcast a more coherent version of her remarks during a primetime special.

Documents acquired by Fox News Digital reveal that Trump’s legal team is demanding comprehensive records related to the interview. They are asking for all materials within CBS Interactive’s control, including those held by its representatives, attorneys, or others acting on its behalf.

Scope of Discovery Demands

The discovery request includes a broad array of communications between CBS and various entities, including the Federal Communications Commission, the Biden administration, the Harris campaign, and the Democratic National Committee from September 22, 2024, to February 11, 2025.

Moreover, Trump’s attorneys seek all communications regarding the interview that involved ’60 Minutes’ executive editor Tanya Simon, executive producer Bill Owens, and ‘Face the Nation’ host Margaret Brennan, as well as any documents discussing the potential interviewing of Trump for the Election Special.

Specifically, Trump’s legal team is focused on any unedited exchanges between CBS staffers and the Biden administration, the Harris campaign, and the DNC during the interview process.

Internal Communications Under Scrutiny

The 27-page list of demands also outlines requests for internal communications that ’60 Minutes’ executives had with editors, journalists, and correspondents amidst the surrounding controversy. Additionally, any related communications with the Harris campaign have been requested.

Trump’s lawsuit recently expanded to include Paramount as a defendant following the release of the ’60 Minutes’ transcript, emphasizing that the segment was prominently featured on the Paramount+ streaming service.

Investigating CBS’s Editing Practices

In conjunction with the lawsuit, the Federal Communications Commission’s new chair, Brendan Carr, has directed CBS News to provide the unedited transcript. This directive comes amid an investigation into whether CBS breached the FCC’s policy regarding news distortion.

Previously, CBS had resisted releasing the full transcript until regulatory pressure compelled a response.

Last week, Trump’s legal team, led by attorneys Ed Paltzik and Dan Epstein, amended their filing after receiving the unedited transcript and raw footage from the disputed ’60 Minutes’ interview. The amended lawsuit not only added Paramount Global as a defendant but also included Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, as an additional plaintiff, while elevating the damages claim to the now formidable $20 billion.

Potential Settlement Considerations

Reports suggest that Paramount Global is contemplating a settlement to mitigate potential backlash related to Trump’s FCC, particularly ahead of an upcoming merger with Skydance Media. Sources indicate that Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder at Paramount, is leaning toward a settlement with the former president.

The case against CBS and Paramount Global represents one of many legal challenges faced by Trump, coordinated by his Senior Counsel Boris Epshteyn. This scenario underscores the intricate and often contentious relationship between media networks and political figures, particularly during an election cycle.

A Legal Battle with Broader Implications

The unfolding legal battle highlights significant issues concerning media practices, election integrity, and the power dynamics in American politics. As Trump pushes forward with his discovery demands, the ramifications of this case may extend beyond the immediate parties involved.

As of now, CBS has not responded to requests for commentary regarding the ongoing situation.

Fox News Digital’s Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.