Liberal comedian Rosie O’Donnell expressed strong criticism of CBS for its $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, claiming it undermined an independent press. She shared her views on Ana Navarro’s podcast, emphasizing that the settlement was akin to a bribe.
O’Donnell referenced former CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert, who also criticized the deal, saying CBS ‘capitulated’ and likening the agreement to a bribe, which she deemed unforgivable.
“We need a very vibrant, alive, independent media,” O’Donnell stated. “And we no longer have it in this country.”
The CBS case centered on a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in October 2024. Trump criticized CBS for allegedly editing Harris’ response about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming the edit favored her before the election.
Paramount Global and CBS settled the suit for $16 million in July 2025, which covered legal costs and an endowment for Trump’s future presidential library or charity. The settlement did not include an apology or admission of guilt, and Trump did not receive direct payment.
Trump’s legal team celebrated the settlement as a media victory. A spokesperson noted that CBS acknowledged the case’s strength and opted to settle.
During the podcast, O’Donnell described Trump as a “convicted sexual rapist,” which Navarro warned against. O’Donnell explained her move to Ireland following Trump’s 2024 election win. Trump wasn’t criminally convicted for rape. A civil jury found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll.
Colbert criticized CBS’s settlement with Trump on “The Late Show,” due to Paramount awaiting federal approval for its merger with Skydance Media. Colbert labeled the settlement a “big fat bribe.” CBS later announced “The Late Show’s” cancellation at the end of the 2025-2026 season, unrelated to Colbert’s content or Paramount’s dealings.
The Federal Communications Commission approved Skydance’s $8 billion Paramount acquisition post-settlement. Paramount stated the lawsuit was separate from this transaction and the FCC approval.