Liberal senators encourage CBS’s parent company to avoid settling with Trump.

Sanders and Colleagues Urge Paramount’s Redstone to Stand Firm Against Trump

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, along with eight fellow Democrats, has reached out to Shari Redstone, a major shareholder of Paramount Global, concerning President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against CBS News.

Trump is pursuing $20 billion in damages, alleging that CBS interfered in the election process by how it conducted an interview with then-President Kamala Harris just prior to the presidential election.

As both sides engage in mediation, there’s a belief that Redstone might be amenable to negotiating, especially with a significant merger with Skydance Media on the horizon that could be jeopardized by potential FCC actions from Trump’s administration.

The letter emphasizes Trump’s approach as an attempt to intimidate the media, stating, “Dear Redstone: The president has launched a blatant lawsuit against CBS over an interview with Kamala Harris.”

Sanders contended that it was commendable when Paramount filed countersuits labeling Trump’s claims as baseless. The letter also pointed out, “Most legal experts agree that this lawsuit is an infringement on the First Amendment and lacks merit.”

Furthermore, the correspondence stressed, “The President cannot penalize or silence the media simply for their criticism.”

The letter continued, warning against a potential settlement with Trump, regarding it as a serious error. “Freedom of the press must be upheld. Paramount’s current situation suggests an inclination to settle, which is concerning.”

In closing, Sanders’s letter urged the Paramount board to resist capitulating to what he described as a threat to democratic values. He stated, “Don’t give in to this dangerous shift toward authoritarianism.”