Trump says Paramount owes him $36M, not $16M, as he threatens more outlets amid Stephen Colbert show saga

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has taken to Truth Social to tout what he’s calling a “big and important win” against Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS and '60 Minutes', claiming the actual value of his recent legal settlement exceeds previously reported figures.

In a bombastic post on Tuesday, July 22, Trump alleged that although the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle his lawsuit over a '60 Minutes' interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, the true value of the agreement is closer to $36 million.

Donald Trump says Paramount settlement totals $36 million

According to Donald Trump, the difference lies in $20 million worth of advertising, public service announcements, and “similar programming” that Paramount has promised.

“BREAKING NEWS! We have just achieved a BIG AND IMPORTANT WIN in our Historic Lawsuit against 60 Minutes, CBS, and Paramount. Just like ABC and George Slopadopoulos, CBS and its Corporate Owners knew that they defrauded the American People, and were desperate to settle. Paramount/CBS/60 Minutes have today paid $16 Million Dollars in settlement,” Trump wrote.

He also wrote “anticipate receiving $20 Million Dollars more from the new Owners, in Advertising, PSAs, or similar Programming, for a total of over $36 Million Dollars,” referencing the proposed merger between Paramount and Skydance. "This is another in a long line of VICTORIES over the Fake News Media, who we are holding to account for their widespread fraud and deceit.”

“The Wall Street Journal, The Failing New York Times, The Washington Post, MSDNC, CNN, and all other Mainstream Media Liars, are ON NOTICE that the days of them being allowed to deceive the American People are OVER. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump concluded.

Earlier this month, the company revealed the terms of the settlement, which include funds directed toward Trump’s forthcoming presidential library and coverage of his legal expenses. Additionally, '60 Minutes' will now be required to release complete transcripts of its interviews with presidential candidates promptly.

Trump had filed a $20 billion lawsuit against the parent company of CBS News, citing its October 2024 interview with then-rival Kamala Harris as the basis for the legal action. 

Donald Trump trolled online after warning media outlets following $16M Paramount settlement

President Donald Trump is once again at the center of online controversy after boasting about a $16 million settlement from Paramount and issuing a warning to other media companies. While Trump claimed victory, the internet had other ideas, and the trolling came swiftly.

One user wrote, “The rich get richer and we still get scraps… woot woot. Politics at its best."

Critics didn’t hold back in questioning the legitimacy of the settlement, with one writing, “What about the millions you defraud taxpayers? Who in this world gets paid for playing golf on his own course? Trinket salesman. A MAGA moron."

Speculation quickly turned to whether the fallout, including CBS reportedly ending 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' was part of the deal.

“Wonder if firing Colbert was an informal condition of the settlement?” one user asked.  

Another bluntly suggested, “I think that 20 million could be classified as a bribe.”

And someone else chimed in writing, “Guess Colbert was right. It was a bribe.”

“If this is true, just another example of Trump financially benefiting from being president. And you all have him on a pedestal,” another added.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online