Paramount Payout Sparks Bribery Allegations: Elizabeth Warren Demands Federal Investigation

Senator Warren slams Paramount Global’s $16M settlement with Trump, calling it “bribery in plain sight” amid FCC merger review

The controversial Paramount payout of $16 million to former President Donald Trump has triggered a political firestorm, with Senator Elizabeth Warren demanding a federal investigation into what she calls a possible illegal bribe. Warren argues that the payment, made to settle what many legal experts consider a “meritless” lawsuit, compromises journalistic independence and raises serious concerns given Paramount’s pending merger approval with Skydance Media.

“With Paramount folding to Donald Trump at the same time the company needs his administration’s approval for its billion-dollar merger, this could be bribery in plain sight,” Warren said in a public statement Wednesday. “Paramount should be ashamed of putting its profits over independent journalism.”

Warren, a senior Democrat from Massachusetts, also announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at limiting presidential library donations, stating that the settlement “exposes a glaring need” for reform in how presidential influence can be bought.

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The Lawsuit: Trump vs. CBS Over “60 Minutes”

Trump’s October 2024 lawsuit accused CBS and its parent company Paramount Global of airing a manipulated interview with Vice President Kamala Harris on “60 Minutes” in violation of Texas consumer protection laws. Legal experts widely panned the case, citing First Amendment protections.

Yet Paramount chose to settle — a decision that bypassed any apology or admission of guilt but included a $16 million payment that, according to the company, will fund Trump’s presidential library and not be paid directly to him.

Warren remains unconvinced by that framing.

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Pressure Mounts: Senate Calls, FCC Scrutiny, and Fallout

In May, Warren, along with Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), sent a letter to Shari Redstone, Paramount’s non-executive chair and controlling shareholder, expressing concern that the company was engaging in “potentially illegal conduct” to influence federal merger approval.

Wyden doubled down on Wednesday:

“Paramount just paid Trump a bribe for merger approval. When Democrats retake power, I’ll be first in line calling for federal charges.”

While Paramount insists the lawsuit and the FCC merger process are “completely separate,” FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the agency’s lone Democrat, called the payout “a desperate move to appease the administration.”

“Instead of standing on principle, Paramount opted for a payout,” Gomez said. “That casts a long shadow over the integrity of the transaction pending before the FCC.”

Gomez also called for the FCC to hold a full Commission vote on the Skydance merger approval — something not yet scheduled.

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Federal vs. State Investigations: What’s Next?

Despite Paramount’s insistence that the funds aren’t a direct payoff to Trump, lawmakers argue the timing and context of the payout — while the company awaits a multi-billion-dollar merger decision — cannot be ignored.

“Democrats on Capitol Hill are growing increasingly desperate and unhinged,” a White House spokesperson said in May, brushing off the bribery claims. “Anyone who seriously believes the President could be bribed by Paramount lacks the intelligence to hold public office.”

Nonetheless, the scrutiny continues to grow. Warren, in her latest statement, says she wants the Department of Justice to examine whether federal anti-bribery statutes were violated and has renewed calls for transparency in corporate influence over public institutions.

“This isn’t just about Trump. It’s about a broken system where massive corporations like Paramount can buy influence while gutting trust in the media,” Warren added.

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Key Facts from the Paramount-Trump Settlement:

Political pushback: Triggered bipartisan alarm and FCC scrutiny

Amount: $16 million

Recipient: Trump’s presidential library (not a direct personal payment)

No apology or admission of guilt from Paramount or CBS

Timing: Occurred as the company seeks regulatory approval for Skydance Media merger