Former President Donald Trump has doubled the damages in his lawsuit against CBS News, now seeking $20 billion, after 60 Minutes released the unedited transcript of its preelection interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s legal team amended the complaint Friday, accusing CBS of media manipulation that harmed both his political standing and financial interests.
The Allegations: Election Interference and Financial Harm
Trump originally sued CBS in October, five days before the election, alleging the network engaged in “partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference.” His legal team argued that 60 Minutes deceptively edited Harris’s responses to make her appear more competent while downplaying critical moments. The amended lawsuit now claims that CBS also hurt Trump’s media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), by diverting viewership away from his Truth Social platform.
“As an owner of a significant interest in a media enterprise in competition with Defendants, President Trump was damaged by Defendants’ false advertising of the Interview and Election Special,” the lawsuit states. Trump’s team argues that CBS’s actions led to “lower consumer engagement, advertising revenues, and profits” for his media holdings.
CBS Releases Full Transcript Amid FCC Inquiry
The controversy intensified when CBS published the full transcript and video of Harris’s interview after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requested the materials. The FCC stepped in following a “news distortion” complaint filed by the Center for American Rights, a conservative watchdog group.
A key moment in the interview involved Harris’s response to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When first previewed on Face the Nation, Harris’s response was lengthy, discussing diplomatic efforts in the region. However, in the final 60 Minutes broadcast, much of her statement was cut, leaving only a brief, more assertive remark about ending the war.
The edit sparked criticism, with conservatives arguing the changes made Harris sound more decisive than she actually was. Trump’s attorneys cite this as evidence of CBS’s alleged election interference.
New Legal Claims and High-Profile Additions
Trump’s legal team strengthened its case by adding claims under the federal Lanham Act, which deals with false advertising and unfair competition, alongside the original Texas consumer fraud claim. The lawsuit, filed in Amarillo, Texas, is being overseen by a Trump-appointed judge.
Additionally, Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX) has joined the lawsuit, claiming he suffered “substantial damages” due to CBS’s reporting. Meanwhile, CBS parent company Paramount Global has been added as a defendant since the 60 Minutes interview was also streamed on Paramount+.
Political and Corporate Fallout
The lawsuit arrives at a sensitive time for Paramount Global, which is pursuing a merger with Skydance Media. Trump’s legal battle has put pressure on the FCC, which could intervene in the deal. Reports suggest Paramount may be open to settling with Trump to avoid regulatory complications.
For Harris, the controversy highlights one of the key issues that plagued her failed election bid—public perception of her media performance. Critics say the 60 Minutes edits gave voters a misleading impression of her communication skills, reinforcing concerns about her ability to handle tough interviews.
What’s Next?
With the damages now doubled to $20 billion, Trump’s lawsuit against CBS could become a landmark case on media accountability and election coverage. The case also raises questions about the role of federal regulators like the FCC in ensuring fair and accurate political reporting.
