Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against CBS News for Alleged Election Interference
ICARO Media Group
**Trump Sues CBS News for $10 Billion Over Alleged "Election Interference"**
Former President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against CBS News, seeking $10 billion in damages over an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, which aired on the program "60 Minutes." Trump claims that the interview was manipulated to portray Harris in a favorable light, amounting to "election interference." This legal action comes after Trump suggested that CBS should lose its broadcasting license due to the interview.
The controversy centers on the October 7 interview, where a different, more concise version of Harris's response to a question regarding Israel and the war in Gaza was broadcast, compared to the longer version shown in pre-broadcast promotions. Trump's legal team argues that CBS engaged in "malicious, deceptive and substantial news distortion," accusing the network of attempting to manipulate public perception in favor of the Democratic party as the 2024 presidential election draws near.
In a detailed 19-page legal document, Trump repeats several politically charged claims often found in his public statements. Among other things, the filing alleges that Harris, referred to informally as "Kamala," had "ousted" President Joe Biden through an "anti-democratic political coup." The document further contends that CBS and other major media outlets are working excessively to ensure Harris's election.
CBS defended its actions, with a spokesperson describing Trump's lawsuit as "completely without merit." The network insists that the interview was accurately presented and denies any intent to mislead the public. The spokesperson reiterated that the purpose of "60 Minutes" is to inform viewers, not deceive them.
Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the U.S. broadcast regulator, condemned Trump's call for CBS to be stripped of its license as a "threat against free speech," stating that licenses cannot be revoked simply because a candidate disagrees with the coverage. This isn't the first time Trump has called for such actions; he previously demanded the revocation of ABC's license after the network fact-checked him during a debate with Harris in September.
As the legal battle unfolds, both sides seem poised to vigorously defend their positions, spotlighting broader debates about media fairness and free speech in the highly polarized atmosphere leading up to the 2024 election.