CNN’s Jake Tapper isn’t holding back when it comes to CBS and its ongoing legal battle with Donald Trump.
The veteran journalist warned the network against settling the $10 billion lawsuit filed by the former president, arguing that doing so could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom.
The lawsuit stems from an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris that aired on Face the Nation and 60 Minutes.
Trump claims CBS intentionally manipulated Harris’s response to a question about the Israeli-Hamas conflict, calling it “the greatest fraud in broadcast history.”
Trump Calls Out CBS for Alleged Editing Manipulation
Trump’s frustration with the network intensified after the full, unedited transcript and camera footage were released.
The documents revealed that certain remarks Harris made about Israel, Iran, and her past comments on Trump being a “racist” were left out of the final broadcast.
CBS defended its decision, saying the edits were necessary due to time constraints.
The network insisted that the changes were standard practice and did not alter the essence of Harris’s remarks.
However, Trump was not convinced, accusing CBS of deliberately changing the narrative and calling for the network to lose its broadcasting license.
Tapper Warns of Dangerous Precedent for Journalism
Tapper, addressing the controversy on his show, stood firmly behind CBS, arguing that news organizations have editorial discretion when it comes to airing interviews.
He pointed out that even right-leaning networks like Fox News have made similar editorial decisions—such as when they cut portions of a Trump interview in June 2024, including remarks about declassifying Jeffrey Epstein files.
“Did that edit make Trump look better? Maybe. Did Fox have the right to do it? Absolutely,” Tapper said.
He emphasized that while these edits may sometimes influence public perception, they are not illegal or unusual in broadcast journalism.
CBS’s Legal Battle and the Merger Factor
Despite legal experts predicting that Trump’s lawsuit against CBS is unlikely to succeed, Tapper raised concerns about the potential political pressure on the network.
CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is currently seeking approval for a merger with Skydance Media, a deal valued at $8 billion.
This merger requires regulatory approval, including from the FCC, which is now under new leadership.
Tapper highlighted that FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has suggested Trump’s complaint against CBS will be reviewed before any merger approval is granted.
Settlement Rumors and Media Freedom at Risk
Tapper suggested that Paramount Global chair Shari Redstone might be considering settling the lawsuit to protect the merger.
According to inside sources at CBS, Redstone is prioritizing the business deal over journalistic integrity, a move that has left many employees concerned.
“This isn’t just about CBS or Trump,” Tapper warned.
“If media companies start caving to political lawsuits, it could have a chilling effect on journalism as a whole.”
As the lawsuit unfolds, all eyes are on CBS to see whether they will stand their ground or bow to the pressure of a multibillion-dollar settlement.
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