CBS to Release Harris Interview Transcript Amid Trump Lawsuit \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ CBS has agreed to turn over an unedited transcript of its Kamala Harris interview to the FCC, following pressure from Trump-appointed chairman Brendan Carr. Trump is suing CBS for $10 billion, alleging that “60 Minutes” deceptively edited the interview to favor Harris. Reports suggest Paramount, CBS’ parent company, has been in settlement talks with Trump’s legal team.
CBS Lawsuit Over Kamala Harris Interview: Quick Looks
- CBS to Release Transcript: Under pressure from Trump-appointed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS will provide an unedited transcript of Kamala Harris’ October 2024 interview.
- Trump’s $10 Billion Lawsuit: Trump sued CBS, claiming “60 Minutes” deceptively edited the interview to favor Harris and interfere in the election.
- FCC Investigation & Press Freedom Concerns: The FCC is reviewing CBS’ editing practices, raising concerns among journalists and press freedom advocates.
- Settlement Talks & Paramount’s Business Interests: CBS’ parent company Paramount is reportedly in settlement talks with Trump while seeking government approval to sell the company to Skydance Media.
- What’s Next? The FCC’s findings, the full transcript release, and potential settlement negotiations could shape the outcome of the case.
Deep Look
CBS announced on Friday that it will submit an unedited transcript of its October 2024 interview with Kamala Harris to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The decision follows pressure from Brendan Carr, the FCC chairman appointed by President Donald Trump.
The move comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Trump and CBS. The former president sued the network for $10 billion, alleging that “60 Minutes” edited the interview in a way that was deceptive and biased in favor of Harris. According to Trump, the broadcast constituted “partisan and unlawful acts of voter interference.”
While CBS has traditionally resisted releasing full transcripts of its interviews to protect editorial integrity, it confirmed that it will comply with the FCC’s request in this case.
Trump’s Lawsuit and Settlement Speculation
Trump’s lawsuit, filed on November 1, 2024, in Texas, accuses CBS of manipulating the Harris interview by airing two different edited versions of her response to a question by correspondent Bill Whitaker. The first version aired on “Face the Nation” on October 6, while the second version appeared on “60 Minutes” the following night.
CBS defended its editing, stating that both versions came from the same lengthy response by Harris and were cut for time constraints. However, Trump’s legal team argues that the edits misrepresented the vice president’s stance and unfairly benefited her during the campaign season.
Despite Trump winning the election just days after filing the lawsuit, he has continued his legal battle with the network. Reports from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times indicate that Paramount Global, CBS’ parent company, has engaged in private settlement discussions with Trump’s attorneys.
While CBS has not publicly commented on the reported talks, sources suggest that Paramount’s executives are keen to resolve the dispute. The media giant is currently seeking approval from the Trump administration to sell the company to Skydance Media, an entertainment firm led by David Ellison.
FCC’s Role in the Investigation
Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed FCC chairman, has taken a direct interest in the case. Under his leadership, the FCC has requested not just the interview transcript but also the raw camera footage of Harris’ conversation with CBS.
This intervention has raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who worry that government interference in editorial decisions could set a dangerous precedent.
Some CBS journalists have privately expressed discomfort with the legal battle and are monitoring developments closely. CBS’ legal team has maintained that Trump’s lawsuit is “completely without merit” and has vowed to fight it aggressively.
Past Media Settlements with Trump
Trump’s legal actions against major media corporations have been a recurring theme in recent years.
In December 2023, ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump over statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos. Instead of going to trial, ABC agreed to pay $15 million toward Trump’s presidential library.
Additionally, Meta (formerly Facebook) reportedly paid $25 million to settle Trump’s lawsuit regarding his suspension from social media following the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.
These settlements suggest that major media companies often prefer financial resolutions over prolonged legal battles. Whether CBS and Paramount will reach a similar deal with Trump remains uncertain, but the potential sale of Paramount could influence their decision.
Political Implications of the Lawsuit
The case has broader political implications, particularly as Trump seeks to reshape media narratives. His accusations against CBS align with his long-standing criticism of mainstream media, which he frequently refers to as “fake news.”
The Harris interview controversy is likely to further fuel debates over media bias, government regulation, and press freedom. Critics argue that Trump’s lawsuit—and the FCC’s involvement—reflect an attempt to pressure media organizations into changing their editorial practices.
On the other hand, Trump’s supporters see the lawsuit as an effort to hold media outlets accountable for alleged political bias. His legal team argues that the public has a right to know whether CBS’ editing choices were ethically or legally questionable.
What’s Next in the CBS vs. Trump Case?
As the legal battle continues, key developments to watch include:
- Whether CBS will release the raw video footage alongside the interview transcript.
- The FCC’s next steps in its investigation into the Harris interview.
- Settlement negotiations between Trump and Paramount, which could resolve the case out of court.
- Potential implications for Paramount’s sale to Skydance Media, which remains under government review.
For now, CBS remains under intense scrutiny as it balances legal risks, corporate interests, and journalistic integrity.
Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how media organizations edit and present political interviews—especially during high-stakes election seasons.
Further developments are expected in the coming weeks as CBS, the FCC, and Trump’s legal team navigate this highly contentious case.
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