Trump Criticizes ‘60 Minutes’ and Paramount Deal After Greene Interview
Former President Donald Trump recently criticized CBS and Paramount in response to remarks made by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene during her interview on “60 Minutes.” Trump expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, particularly questioning the quality of “60 Minutes” under its new ownership.
Trump’s Criticism of CBS and Paramount
In a post on Truth Social, Trump voiced his frustration regarding Greene’s comments during the interview. He noted that Greene had made negative statements about him while discussing her resignation in January. For Trump, Greene represents a “rotten apple,” suggesting her criticisms stemmed from being “jilted” by him.
The former president targeted not just Greene, but the current state of CBS’s “60 Minutes,” claiming it has deteriorated since the acquisition by Skydance Media. This merger, which took place earlier in 2023, followed Trump’s approval when he was in office.
Background of the Deal
During Trump’s administration, the Federal Communications Commission permitted the merger of Skydance Media and Paramount. This came after Paramount agreed to a significant settlement of $16 million with Trump regarding previous disputes related to the network’s programming. Furthermore, Trump alleged that Paramount offered an additional $20 million through advertising and public service announcements.
Concerns Over Current Programming
Trump’s critique on Monday marked a shift in his views on the deal, stating that the new ownership is “no better than the old ownership.” This criticism is particularly notable given his past support for the merger. He claimed that since Skydance took over, “60 Minutes” has only gotten worse.
Key Points
- Trump criticized CBS and Paramount after Marjorie Taylor Greene’s interview.
- Greene made negative remarks about Trump during the interview.
- Trump referred to Greene as a “rotten apple” due to her criticisms.
- The merger of Skydance and Paramount took place earlier in 2023.
- Trump approved the deal during his presidency, after receiving a $16 million settlement.
Trump’s ongoing criticisms of media outlets reflect his contentious history with CBS and the evolving media landscape in the wake of new ownership structures.
