$16 million dollar bribe
Let me tell you a story of open corruption and manipulation of the free press.
Earlier this year, Trump sued "60 Minutes" because he didn't find their coverage during the 2024 presidential campaign to his liking. Rather than stick up for its employees, Paramount (CBS's corporate parent) settled Trump's baseless lawsuit for $16 million.
It just so happened that at the same time, Paramount was in talks with another media corporation to be bought out in an $8 billion merger that needed sign-off by Trump's FCC. Quite the coincidence that Paramount would give the president a sweetheart settlement just when they need that same president's administration to sign off on a multi-billion-dollar windfall.
A large portion of the payout from Trump's settlement with Paramount will go towards his presidential library, which is a discreet way for Trump to collect "contributions" money for personal use.
Trump's FCC approved the sale of Paramount following what was clearly a bribe for merger approval.
This is corruption, plain and simple.
Donald Trump can't be allowed to get away with accepting any shiny, lavish gift that comes his way from big corporations, foreign governments, and even anonymous donors.
In May, I publicly raised concerns about potential bribery related to the Paramount deal and settlement. At the time, I warned that: "These reports raise fresh questions about corruption in the Trump administration and President Trump's willingness to accept payments from entities with significant policy interests before agencies he controls."
This deal also raises real concerns about Trump once again meddling in free speech in the media.
We can't let this blatant corruption become commonplace. Letting blatant corruption become commonplace means media coverage can be shaped by the whims of a leader with a grudge.
When Democrats retake power, I'll be first in line calling for federal charges. In the meantime, state prosecutors should make the corporate execs who sold out our democracy answer in court today.
I'll continue exposing the grift, bribery, and anti-free speech behavior of the Trump administration. And I'll fight to elect a Congress with the courage to conduct oversight and investigate clear violations of the law.
Onward,
Ron
