Paramount (US:PGRE) New York Post·2025-05-28 10:00Core Viewpoint - Paramount's board and controlling shareholder Shari Redstone are in discussions regarding a potential settlement of a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Trump, stemming from a controversial "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris [1][5]. Group 1: Lawsuit and Settlement - The lawsuit involves allegations of deceptive editing by CBS during the interview, with Trump reportedly open to a settlement of up to $50 million [2][3]. - Redstone's willingness to settle is complicated by concerns that the company's Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance may not cover bribery claims, which could arise from settling with Trump [2][4]. - The lawsuit is seen as separate from the ongoing regulatory approval process for the Paramount-Skydance deal, valued at $8 billion, which is currently under scrutiny by the FCC [7][13]. Group 2: Financial Implications - If the Paramount-Skydance deal is completed, Redstone could potentially retain $2 billion, which is critical given her declining wealth due to a significant drop in Paramount's stock value [8][10]. - Redstone faces a substantial tax liability of up to $200 million related to her inherited stake from her father, further complicating her financial situation [16]. Group 3: Regulatory and Political Context - The Trump lawsuit coincides with the FCC's investigation into CBS's editing practices, which could impact the approval of the Paramount-Skydance transaction [12][13]. - The lawsuit has drawn attention from Democratic lawmakers, raising concerns about the legal implications of a potential settlement with Trump, who has significant influence over Redstone's financial interests [7][8].