CBS News is facing challenges securing guests willing to criticize Donald Trump, particularly under the new leadership of Bari Weiss. A recent “60 Minutes” episode on Trump’s pardon of Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, highlighted this issue, as numerous individuals involved declined on-camera interviews due to fear of retribution. Former Justice Department officials, like Elizabeth Oyer, expressed concern over the use of presidential pardons, while CBS News faced criticism for its new editorial direction and a Trump-friendly CEO. This follows the controversial appointment of conservative commentator Bari Weiss and a recent interview with Trump.
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CBS News has reported on a potential discrepancy regarding the official account of Jeffrey Epstein’s death, highlighting flaws in the government’s explanation. A grainy “orange shape” captured on security footage ascending the stairs to Epstein’s cell the night of his death is disputed by forensic experts who believe it is likely a person wearing an inmate jumpsuit, contradicting the official claim that it was simply linen or clothing. Furthermore, a second camera recording, which could provide crucial evidence, is reportedly being withheld by investigators. The network also noted that the staircase leading to Epstein’s cell block could be ascended without being recorded, challenging the initial claims made by investigators.
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A CBS News analysis of the surveillance video from Jeffrey Epstein’s jail cell reveals several inconsistencies with the accounts provided by federal officials. While the video does not refute the suicide conclusion, it contradicts claims that the footage clearly showed no one entered Epstein’s cell block, and raises questions about the completeness and accuracy of the government’s investigation. The analysis identifies potential editing of the video, along with misinterpretations of the footage by investigators and experts, further undermining the credibility of the official narrative. Several experts have noted it is impossible to determine from the video if someone could have entered Epstein’s cell without being seen.
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Donald Trump’s $20 billion defamation lawsuit against CBS News, stemming from a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, continues to unfold. Trump’s legal team claims the interview caused him “mental anguish” and accuses CBS of using the First Amendment as a shield for “news distortion.” Paramount, CBS’s parent company, initially sought to dismiss the suit but has since offered a $15 million settlement, a figure Trump reportedly rejected. However, the settlement discussions have been complicated by internal tensions at CBS and concerns about potential legal repercussions, including investigations into possible bribery.
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In short, CBS News President Wendy McMahon resigned, citing disagreements over the company’s future direction. This follows the recent departure of “60 Minutes” top producer Bill Owens, who cited concerns about journalistic independence. The turmoil coincides with Paramount Global’s pursuit of an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media and its efforts to resolve a $20 billion lawsuit filed by Donald Trump. These events suggest significant internal pressures and uncertainty within the organization.
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Paramount Global, CBS News’s parent company, is seeking dismissal of Donald Trump’s lawsuit alleging the “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris was deceptively edited to favor her presidential campaign. The motion argues the lawsuit lacks jurisdiction and fails to state a valid claim, further asserting that the suit violates the First Amendment by attempting to control editorial judgment. Trump, however, maintains his commitment to the case, alleging election interference and fraud, and demanding significant damages. CBS News continues to deny Trump’s accusations.
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Paramount Global, CBS’ parent company, is reportedly nearing a settlement with Donald Trump over a lawsuit stemming from a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris, despite widespread legal opinion deeming the suit meritless. This decision has sparked outrage within CBS News, with concerns that settling would damage the network’s credibility and set a dangerous precedent. The settlement is speculated to be a payoff to avoid potential regulatory hurdles for Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media, raising ethical concerns about undue influence. Critics argue that such a settlement would undermine media independence and embolden Trump’s pattern of using lawsuits to pressure media organizations.
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Former US President Donald Trump has sued CBS News for $10bn over an alleged embellished interview with Vice President Kamala Harris on the channel’s 60 Minutes show, which he deems as “election interference.” Trump contends that the interview was manipulated to present Harris positively, particularly her comments on Israel and the Gaza war, and claimed that this equates to unlawful voter interference. His filing in a US district court in Amarillo, Texas termed CBS’s actions as malicious and deceptive. CBS has dismissed the claim as “completely without merit.” The row follows Trump suggesting that CBS should lose its news broadcast license.
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John Q. Hosedrinker