Last year, Donald Trump sued CBS for $20 billion over a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris that he didn't like. Experts say the case is an easy win for CBS, who went on to file two motions to dismiss the case in March.
But CBS' parent company Paramount is now reportedly considering settling the case for as much as $75 million. Media watchdogs say Paramount is likely interested in setting so the Trump administration approves their proposed merger.
Bernie Sanders and nine other Democratic senators are urging Paramount and its board of directors to reconsider in an open letter to controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, saying:
"This lawsuit is an attack on the United States Constitution and the First Amendment. It has absolutely no merit and it cannot stand. In the United States of America, presidents do not get to punish or censor the media for criticizing them."
Join Senator Bernie Sanders and his colleagues in urging Paramount not to capitulate to authoritarian pressure.
Redstone has already reportedly pushed CBS to closely monitor "60 Minutes," leading to the resignation of a longtime executive producer. Redstone has reportedly also asked them to delay sensitive stories criticizing Trump until after the merger is approved.
Trump's attacks on CBS are nothing more than an attempt to intimidate the press, silence opposition, and break down First Amendment protections.
The senators say settling this lawsuit will only embolden Trump to "shakedown, extort and silence" those who are brave enough to publish truthful reporting that isn't favorable to him.
Only authoritarian regimes and wannabe dictators attempt to control the media. This lawsuit represents more than just CBS—it represents our very democracy and right to freedom of the press.
Tell Paramount chair Shari Redstone: Don't surrender to Trump's attacks on the First Amendment. Stand up for freedom of the press.
Thank you,
Mike Phelan
Progress America
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